Students suffer in Kashmir as unrest continues for third month

Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], Sept.9 (ANI): The education sector in Kashmir, particularly in the valley, has taken a huge hit with the unrest in the region entering its third consecutive month following the elimination of militant Burhan Wani in a security operation. Schools and colleges have been closed since July 10. The annual exams are just a month away and students haven't even completed 50 percent of their syllabus. "During the ongoing war-like situation, not only the education sector but the entire society is undergoing irreparable loss. The education sector, development sector and the economic sector, all are facing irreparable loss.no doubt about that," said President of Private School Associations, Ghulam Nabi War, on Friday. The Kashmir Valley has been grappling with its worst unrest in six years that began on July 08 when security forces killed separatist commander Burhan Wani, who was idolised especially by youths, provoking an outpouring of anger. The National Institute of Technology (NIT), a premier institute in Srinagar has delayed the commencement of its new academic session at thrice by now. Local residents blamed the government for not taking timely steps to diffuse the crisis. "The education sector here has been badly affected. It has been almost around two months now, since the schools have been closed due to which many students have been affected. But the government is responsible for this situation. Government should take steps to improve it," said a local resident Reyaz Ahmad. Meanwhile, curfew was re-imposed in Kashmir ahead of the Friday prayers to avoid any untoward incidents. Armed security personnel patrolled deserted roads and markets. An all-party delegation, led by India's Interior Minister Rajnath Singh, visited early this month but appeared to make little headway in resolving a crisis that has left 73 people dead, 71 of them civilians. The delegation, in a statement, urged the state and federal government to ensure that school and colleges among other establishments are re-opened at the earliest but there's no sign of this happening anytime soon. Kashmir, claimed in full but ruled in part by both India and Pakistan, has been at the heart of nearly seven decades of hostility between the neighbours. Militant groups have taken up arms to fight for independence from Indian rule or to merge with Pakistan. India has blamed Pakistan for supporting the violence. Pakistan denies that. (ANI)