Kashmir unrest: Centre urges Mehbooba Mufti govt to make efforts to reopen schools

Concerned over burning down of various schools in the Valley, the Centre has asked the Jammu and Kashmir government to check such attempts and make efforts to reopen the schools which have been closed for more than 110 days.

The Home Ministry urged the Mehbooba Mufti government to ensure protection of schools, especially those which are vulnerable to attacks, and make all attempts to reopen all educational institutions across the Valley.

The central government is deeply concerned over the incidents of setting ablaze of schools and worried about the future of the children who are the worst sufferers due to the prolonged turmoil in the state, a senior Home Ministry official said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also said to be worried that the closure of educational institutions for such a long period is affecting thousands of students and feels that if schools reopen, it would be a great step towards restoring normalcy in Kashmir, officials said.

At least 26 schools in various parts of the Valley were set ablaze in recent past.

Educational institutions in the Valley are closed since 9 July after outbreak of clashes and a strike call by separatists following the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen militant Burhan Wani.

--With PTI inputs