Despite Lull in Firing along LoC, Schools Remain Shut in Poonch

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

The government schools near Line of Control (LoC) continue to remain shut even as the peace returned after deadly phase of shelling and firing between India and Pakistan.

A total of 41 schools are located in Balakote, Mendhar and Mankote sectors of the district which include high, primary and middle schools. The authorities in these sectors closed down schools following recent ceasefire violations which claimed lives of 6 people from this side of the fence.

However, the situation has now improved and the peace has returned as of now, but these schools are continuously shut. The students told GNS that they are ready to resume their students but the school authorities are not throwing open these institutes.

“Our wards want to go to schools since the situation has improved now. But we don’t understand why are these institutes shut and our children are suffering,” the parents said.

The educations officials said they have not received any order from government regarding the opening of schools. “We are awaiting orders from government which we have not received so far,” said Incharge ZEO Abdul Shakoor. The Deputy CEO of Mendhar Tehsil Muhammad Azam also echoed the views of ZEO.

However, the Deputy Commissioner Poonch, Nasir Ahmad Wani, expressed surprise over the remarks of education officials. He said that though the government had ordered closure of schools in view of shelling from Pakistan but now the situation is normal. “They should open these schools now. We are not going to issue any order in this regard,” he told GNS.

Due to the closure of schools, the students are losing their precious time. They demanded higher authorities to look into the matter and ensure that their class work resumes as soon as possible.

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