Poonch (May 7) — Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir have ordered the closure of all schools across several border districts, including Poonch, Rajouri, and Baramulla, following intensified cross-border shelling and heightened security concerns in the region.
The Office of the Chief Education Officer (CEO) Poonch announced that all government and private schools in the district will remain closed on Thursday, May 8, as a precautionary measure. The decision comes amid ongoing hostilities following India’s missile strikes on Pakistan under Operation Sindoor, launched in retaliation for the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which killed 26 civilians, including tourists.
At least 12 to 15 civilians, including four children and two women, were reported killed earlier on Wednesday in heavy shelling by Pakistan. Over 50 others sustained injuries, and several homes were damaged across the border districts of Poonch, Rajouri, Baramulla, and Kupwara. Local authorities have evacuated residents from vulnerable forward areas to safer locations.
District administrations have mobilised emergency resources, including medical aid, temporary shelters, and relief supplies, to assist displaced families. High-level emergency meetings chaired by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha were held to review the situation and coordinate relief and security efforts. Contingency funds have been allocated, and logistical support has been deployed in affected regions.
“In view of the prevailing situation, all schools, colleges and educational institutions (private as well as government) in the districts of Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Rajouri and Poonch will remain closed tomorrow also,” Divisional Commissioner Jammu posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Tensions remain high along the Line of Control, with authorities maintaining a heightened state of alert across the Union Territory.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
