Centre hails reopening of schools in Kashmir

Home Minister P Chidambaram said there was a call by one of the Hurriyat leaders to the parents asking them not to send their children to schools and colleges, but it was heartening that parents have disregarded that call and sent their children to the respective institutes.

"There were a few minor incidents of stone-pelting on school buses at Habak, Bemina and Nowgam. How can any right thinking person pelt stones on school buses? I hope that such mischief will stop immediately," he said.

"Anyone who has the interest of the children at heart cannot indulge in stone-pelting; nor should anyone support such mischievous attempts to interfere with the functioning of schools and colleges," he said in a statement.

The home minister said the government was happy to learn that most schools and colleges have reopened in Jammu and Kashmir and most students have gone back to schools and colleges today.

"I am confident that the few schools and colleges that remain closed today, presumably out of caution, will reopen on Tuesday. I am also confident that the attendance will improve significantly on Tuesday. The government of Jammu and Kashmir has assured us that every effort is being made to ensure that all schools and colleges reopen and function normally and that security will be provided to enable the students to attend schools and colleges," he said.

"I appeal to all sections of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, especially parents, to cooperate with the state government and ensure that all schools and colleges function normally," Chidambaram said.

Educational institutions reopened on Monday after the Centre announced an 8-point initiative, which includes smooth functioning of schools and colleges, to bring peace to the Kashmir valley.