Srinagar, March 3: The Jammu and Kashmir government has extended the closure of all educational institutions across the Kashmir Division until March 7. Education Minister Sakina Itoo announced the decision on Tuesday, declaring that the move is a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of students and staff amid the “prevailing situation” in the Valley.
The extension follows widespread civil unrest and mourning over the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in a joint US-Israel air strike on February 28. The news triggered massive street demonstrations, anti-US rallies, and chest-beating processions in several districts, including Srinagar, Budgam, Baramulla, and Bandipora.
Authorities have enforced strict movement restrictions and throttled mobile internet speeds to maintain law and order. The iconic Ghanta Ghar at Lal Chowk was sealed with concertina wires and barricades to prevent large gatherings. Education Minister Sakina Itoo affirmed that all government and private schools, colleges, and universities would remain shut. She stated that the administration would continue to assess the ground situation before deciding on a reopening schedule.
The closure has particularly affected elementary school students, who were originally scheduled to return to their classrooms on March 2 after a two-month-long winter vacation. University and college examinations scheduled for this week have also been postponed.
While Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has appealed for restraint and urged authorities to allow people to grieve peacefully, the J&K Police have warned of strict legal action against those attempting to instigate violence. The administration maintained that the primary objective is to safeguard the student community.
