Holding of Board exams in Kashmir was a "deceptive attempt" by the state government to reap political gains, hardline Hurriyat Conference headed by Syed Ali Shah Geelani said on Monday, a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised high attendance in the annual tests. "Conducting examinations was purely a mean and deceptive attempt (by the state government) to achieve political gains and get the applause from the masters in Delhi..," Hurriyat spokesman said in a statement.

In his monthly radio address 'Mann ki Baat', Modi had said on Sunday high participation of students in the recent Board exams in Kashmir reflected their resolve to strive for a better future through studies. Over 95% of students appeared in the Board exams which marked the resumption of educational activity in Kashmir Valley after schools remained shut for over four months due to the unrest and separatists-sponsored strike.

Nearly 40 schools were also burnt down during the unrest which began following the killing of militant leader Burhan Wani in early July. The spokesman of Hurriyat, which has been spearhearding five-month shutdown in the valley that has also crippled studies, said education has been the prime concern of the society and every parent wants to give his wards the best possible education even at the cost of their own comfort. "No one can afford to keep his children away from the glory of education, which not only should help them to earn their livelihood but enlighten their mind and soul," he said.

The spokesman said there is a vast network of educational institutions in Kashmir, testifying that the local youth are hardworking, passionate and focused to get to the top on their own without the crutches. "They have touched new heights in every field and are determined to keep the pace in latest advancements but that does not mean that they have lost or fogged their vision of basic rights," the Hurriyat said.