india

Updated: Oct 03, 2019 23:33 IST

Like primary, middle and high schools, majority of the students of higher secondary schools in Kashmir remained away on Thursday, when the schools re-opened as per an administrative order.

Though the teachers turned up in majority of the prominent schools, particularly in government institutions, the classrooms were mostly empty.

“We have been waiting for the students but none has turned up. Everybody fears deterioration in situation once youth are on the roads and nobody wants to put the lives of their children at stake,” said a senior teacher at Kothi Bagh Higher Secondary School

Colleges and universities in the valley were also directed to reopen by or before October 9 in a Tuesday meeting chaired by the Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Baseer Khan.

The schools, colleges and universities across Kashmir valley were closed when the Centre revoked the special status of Jammu and Kashmir and put the region under a security lockdown. The restrictions were subsequently eased and the primary schools were reopened on August 19 followed by the middle schools two days later. High schools were reopened on August 28.

Government teachers continue to attend school as per government order despite thin attendance of students. Most schools including the top private schools are still closed and public transport and school buses are not operating.

Baseer Khan has asked school authorities to not charge the tuition and bus fees for the months of August and September.

Officials say restrictions have been removed in most of the police stations in Kashmir and attendance in the schools has improved but have not given any figures.

Meanwhile most shops, businesses and markets remained closed for the 60th day even as private vehicles and autos were seen plying in many parts of the Srinagar city. Mobiles and internet services including broadband continue to remain suspended across the valley since the Centre abrogated article 370 on August 5.