Kashmir schools shift to online learning amid border tensions

Educational institutions across Kashmir have suspended physical classes and embraced online learning to avoid academic disruptions amid growing unrest along the Line of Control due to recent cross-border military operations.

The move follows the launch of 'Operation Sindoor' by the Indian Armed Forces on May 7, targeting terror infrastructures in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

With physical attendance deemed unsafe in the wake of ongoing shelling and heightened military presence, several private schools in the valley resumed teaching via digital platforms from May 9.

“My kids have started to receive online education from today as it is not safe to venture out of homes, especially after what happened along the borders over the past three days,” said Saba Bhat, a resident of the Pampore area in Pulwama district and mother of two school-going children.

While Saba acknowledges that face-to-face classroom interaction is crucial for holistic development, she agrees that the digital shift is a necessary measure under the circumstances. “Attending the school in person helps in the overall personality development of the children, but safety is of paramount importance. At least, this way the kids' academic progress will continue,” she added.

Samina Ashraf, recalling the turbulent 1990s when education was severely disrupted due to insurgency, believes today’s children have an advantage thanks to modern connectivity. “The present generation will not suffer the same fate due to the advent of the internet and other technological advances in the past three decades,” she observed.

Despite this quick adaptation by private schools, concerns remain for students in government-run institutions. Mushtaq Ahmad, a government school teacher, emphasized the need for equitable access to education in these challenging times. “The private schools have taken the lead here. We will be doing the catching up if this situation continues longer. It is better that students of government schools also switch to online mode till it is safe to attend schools in person again,” he noted.

In light of the deteriorating border situation, the administration has ordered the suspension of all academic activities, including those at colleges and universities, as a preventive measure. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and evaluating further steps to ensure both safety and continued access to education.