Border schools reopen after two-week closure amid cross-LoC shelling

JAMMU — After nearly two weeks of closure due to intense cross-border shelling, schools situated along the Indo-Pak border in Jammu and Kashmir reopened on Monday, bringing much-needed relief to students and parents in the affected regions.

Children were seen returning to classrooms with smiles and enthusiasm, particularly in border villages of Poonch and Rajouri districts, where academic activities had been suspended due to security concerns. Teachers welcomed students warmly, and many schools organized special morning assemblies to address safety measures and boost students’ confidence.

Officials said the decision to reopen was based on an improved security assessment and a noticeable decline in firing incidents along the Line of Control (LoC). “We are monitoring the situation closely. While schools have resumed, all necessary precautions remain in place,” a senior official said.

Parents, who had been living in fear during the period of shelling, expressed relief at the return to normalcy. “Our children’s safety was our biggest concern. We’re thankful that they can now continue their studies in a safe environment,” said a parent from the Rajouri sector.

The Education Department confirmed that emergency response protocols and coordination with security forces will continue to ensure the safety of students and staff in vulnerable areas, should the situation escalate again.