Snow shuts down high schools in Kashmir

JAMMU - The Jammu and Kashmir government Thursday announced the closure of all high and higher secondary schools in the Kashmir Valley, reversing its own decision of keeping these educational institutions open during winters.

“All high and higher secondary schools in Kashmir Valley have been closed till further orders,” an official spokesperson said.

The government had decided to cancel the winter vacation to compensate for the loss of studies during the summer unrest in the Valley. But the decision had evoked strong resentment among students and parents as adequate heating arrangements were not available.

Education Minister Peerzada Mohammad Sayeed had sought the views of the public on the issue Wednesday. However, the government went ahead and ordered schools to be closed after Thursday’s snowfall.