SRINAGAR: The Government today decided to re-open Schools and Colleges in non-border districts of Jammu as well as Kashmir divisions from tomorrow, 13th of May, 2025. Minister Education, Sakeena Itoo posted on X, “All schools and colleges to reopen from tomorrow in non-border districts of Jammu as well as Kashmir”.
This decision was taken after comprehensive review of the ground situation in the aftermath of recent cross-border shelling incidents. The Educational institutions in border areas will remain closed as a precautionary measure for safety of students as well as staff.
SRINAGAR: In view of the recent developments along the Line of Control (LoC), the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar has announced that online classes for all undergraduate and postgraduate students will commence from May 13 and continue till June 6, 2025. Institute’s Registrar, Prof. Atikur Rehman said that the move follows a week of heightened tensions on the borders, during which many students were facilitated in returning to their homes for safety reasons.
“A number of faculty members also travelled to their respective hometowns amid the uncertainty. With the situation now stabilizing, the institute has opted for a phased and structured return to normal academic operations,” he said. Prof. Rehman said that online classes will commence on Tuesday, May 13, and continue till June 6, college hostels will reopen on June 9, to facilitate students’ return to campus.
“On the directions of Director NIT Srinagar, Prof. Binod Kumar Kanaujia, offline (physical) classes will start from Wednesday, June 11, 2025,” he said. Prof. Rehaman said that administration underscored the importance of maintaining academic continuity during this period. Conducting online classes is aimed at minimizing disruption to the curriculum while prioritizing the safety and well-being of both students and staff, he added.
Meanwhile, as per an official notification issued by the Dean Academic Affairs, after a meeting with the Dean Students Welfare, Registrar, and Director (in-charge), hostels will reopen on June 9, 2025, allowing students adequate time to return and settle on campus. “Subsequently, physical classes will resume on June 11, 2025, restoring full in-person academic engagement,” it said. The notice has been circulated among all departments and students are urged to attend online classes regularly and begin preparing for the return to offline classes next month.
JAMMU: Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha today visited Shelter and lodgement centre at Sahib Bandgi Ashram, Mishriwala in Jammu, and met the families who have been affected due to the cross-border shelling from Pakistan. The Lieutenant Governor enquired about the well-being of families, and listened to the issues raised by them. He reaffirmed the commitment of the Government of India and the Union Territory Administration to ensuring their safety and security.
The entire nation stands in solidarity with the affected families, he said. “India always advocated for peace. It never wants a war but what happened in Pahalgam was an act of war by terror state Pakistan. With “Operation Sindoor”, we have avenged Pahalgam. I am proud of our soldiers and armed forces. Our war was to teach Pakistan a lesson.
Our Armed Forces have repeatedly demonstrated their capability to respond decisively to threats posed by Terror state Pakistan. It harbors and exports terror and caused immense suffering through its terrorist activities in our territory,” the Lieutenant Governor said. He observed that India will never compromise on its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
We are resolved to dismantle the entire terror ecosystem from Jammu Kashmir. On the night of May 6th-7th, our Armed Forces executed a precise Operation Sindoor, demonstrating both unwavering resolve and commendable restraint and successfully demolished terror factories in Pakistan, and avenged the killing of innocent civilians in Pahalgam.
Our Armed Forces have made it unequivocally clear: any threat by the adversary to the safety of our people will be met with such a decisive response that the action of our armed forces will be remembered by seven generations of Pakistan,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The Lieutenant Governor expressed gratitude to all those individuals and organisations who are extending their support to the families affected due to unprovoked shelling by Pakistan. He also assured that bunkers will be built as per the new assessment, for the safety of the people.
POONCH: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today undertook an extensive tour of Poonch district to assess the ground situation in the aftermath of the recent cross-border shelling. Poonch was among the worst-affected districts in the cross-border artillery shelling, which resulted in the loss of 13 lives and injuries to many others.
Upon his arrival, the Chief Minister visited the District Hospital Poonch, where he enquired about the condition and treatment of the injured. He expressed his admiration for their courage and resilience and assured them of the best possible medical care and full support from the administration.
Later, the Chief Minister met with the bereaved families who lost their loved ones in the shelling. “Words fall short in the face of such grief. I offered my heartfelt condolences and assured them that they are not alone—the entire administration and I stand with them,” he said. The Chief Minister also visited Zia-ul-Uloom and Anwar-ul-Uloom religious institutions, where a religious teacher was killed and several students were injured in the shelling incident.
Following his visits, the Chief Minister convened a meeting with public representatives, which included Members of the Legislative Assembly: Ajaz Ahmad Jan (Poonch-Haveli), Choudhary Mohammad Akram (Surankote), and Minister Javed Ahmad Rana (Mendhar). The meeting was also attended by prominent citizens, former legislators, and community leaders from the Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, and other communities.
Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Chairperson of the District Development Council, Deputy Commissioner Poonch, SSP Poonch, and other senior officials were also present at the meeting.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah acknowledged the grief and suffering caused by the shelling. “Today, we gather in a time of great difficulty and pain. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude and admiration for the spirit of unity and communal harmony displayed by the people of Poonch. The brotherhood among Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, and others during this crisis is truly commendable. May the Almighty continue to bless this unity,” he said.
He lauded the efforts of the civil administration, including the Deputy Commissioner, SSP, and their teams for their unwavering service. “They stood their ground and worked tirelessly to support the people and minimize the suffering caused by this tragic situation,” he added. Speaking about the conflict, the Chief Minister said, “This situation was not of our making. Our neighboring country chose to target innocent civilians on our side of the border. This is both deeply saddening and unacceptable.”
Expressing sorrow over the loss of 13 innocent lives, he said, “While no compensation can replace a lost life, it is our responsibility to provide immediate support and Rs 10 lakh relief announced by me to each family of the deceased is not a measure of the value of life, but a step to help them cope during this difficult time.”
The Chief Minister acknowledged the role of local MLAs for their support during this crisis. Commenting on the expanding threat of cross-border shelling, Omar Abdullah said, “For the first time, even the old quarters of Jammu have been affected. We are now forced to contemplate building bunkers in the city—something previously unimaginable.”
He stressed the need for immediate reforms in preparedness. “We must learn from this experience and rectify our shortcomings. Strengthening hospital infrastructure is essential. Citizens have suggested that retired doctors be engaged during emergencies. I will raise this with the Health Minister and explore re-employment or stipend-based scheme for retired medical professionals,” he said.
Outlining future preparedness, the Chief Minister said, “May we never face such a situation again, but if we do, we must be better prepared. We plan to establish critical infrastructure including fixed and mobile bunkers, reinforce ambulance services, and improve evacuation mechanisms in border areas through mock drills and practical assessments.”
In conclusion, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah offered his deepest sympathies to the families of the deceased. “Their pain is our pain. I salute the people of Poonch for their resilience, unity, and sense of coexistence during this crisis. You have set an example for the rest of the state and the country. May peace return to our borders, and may our people continue to live in harmony and safety,” he said.
JAMMU: Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs and Transport, Satish Sharma, today paid heartfelt tribute to the brave soldiers of Border Security Force (BSF) during a solemn wreath laying ceremony held at Shahid Smarak, BSF Frontier Headquarters, Paloura Camp, Jammu.
The ceremony was held in honour of Constable Deepak Chingakham, who laid down his life in the line of duty on May 11, 2025, during unprovoked cross-border firing along the International Boundary in R.S. Pura, Jammu.
The Minister along with senior BSF officials and dignitaries, laid wreath at the memorial and observed a moment of silence, paying deep respects to the supreme sacrifice of the young soldier. Earlier, Satish Sharma paid floral tributes to Sub Inspector Mohammad Imteyaz, another valiant BSF officer who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Addressing the gathering, the Minister said that our nation stands indebted to these brave hearts whose courage and dedication safeguard our borders. Their sacrifices will always be remembered and serve as a beacon of inspiration for generations to come.
The tribute ceremony was attended by BSF personnel, civil and police officials, family members of fallen soldiers and locals who expressed gratitude to defenders of the nation.
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