Since Abrogation Of Article 370, High Schools In Jammu And Kashmir To Reopen Today

In what has been described as a sign of normalising of the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, High Schools in the valley are set to reopen from Wednesday.

According to authorities, schools in areas where restrictions have been lifted will be opened.

"The education department has decided to open all high schools in Kashmir Valley from tomorrow (Wednesday) in the areas where relaxations have been provided," Jammu and Kashmir Director of Information and Public Relations Sehrish Asgar said.

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She also said that shops and business establishments can open in areas where there are no restrictions. She said restrictions on the movement of people have now been eased in 81 police station areas across the Valley.

"The restrictions have been eased out in more police station areas, now taking the total number to 81. The curbs will be eased out in 10 more areas on Thursday," she said.

"Shops can open wherever the restrictions have been lifted," Asgar said, replying to a question on when the business establishments will open.

The development comes nearly three weeks after Jammu and Kashmir was put under a virtual lockdown following the revocation of Article 370 by the Modi government.

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Even the schools are set to reopen, the authorities do not expect a large turnout, at least in the initial days.

Earlier, some 3,037 primary schools and 774 middle schools have re-opened across the valley. But there too the attendance was very low.

The fear for their children's safety amind the continuing communication blockade is forcing many parents from not sending their children to schools.

But according to authorities, here has been a significant improvement in the attendance of teachers in the schools in the past one week. "We are making best efforts to increase student attendance in the schools," Director Education Kashmir, Younis Malik said.

AP

Meanwhile, the communication blockade is being lifted in more and more places across the valley and landline telephone services were restored in 15 more exchanges by Tuesday evening.

Ever since the restrictions were imposed in the valley the government had maintained that it will be eased in a phased manner as the situation improves.

However, there is no word on the release of some 400 politicians from the state including former CMs Mehbooba Mufti and Omar Abdullah who have been under house arrest since the first week of this month.