The authorities again ordered closure of higher secondary schools and colleges in most of the districts from April 2 and 7 for the same reason.
The unfavourable situation has badly hit the functioning of educational institutions in Kashmir over the past two months. The institutions remained closed for 32 days since March 5.
The educational institutions were supposed to reopen after winter vacations on March 5, but the government ordered closure of schools and colleges for almost a week, fearing student protests against the killings by government forces.
Four civilians and two militants were killed by government forces in Pahnoo area of Shopian district on March 4 which triggered outrage in Kashmir, forcing the authorities to close down the schools to avoid protests by the students.
The authorities again ordered closure of higher secondary schools and colleges in most of the districts from April 2 and 7 for the same reason.
Class work was again suspended from April 17 to April 21 in higher secondary schools and colleges of Kashmir.
Amid the frequent closures, the government had started to prepare an academic calendar for schools with curtailment in holidays. However, there has been no official announcement so far.
From last year, the government’s move to close schools and colleges is contrary to the stand taken by it during the 2016 unrest triggered by the killing of popular militant commander Burhan Wani on July 8 that year.
In 2016 when Kashmir was in the midst of mass uprising, the government was focused on keeping the educational institutions open. However, this year the government is issuing frequent orders for closure of the campuses to avoid student protests.
With more student protests, the government on April 22 this year ordered closure of private tuition centres also.
The government again closed schools and colleges on May 7 and May 8 following the killing of five militants and equal number of civilians on May 06 in Shopian.
During these two months, the Kashmir University postponed its exams 14 times.
The deferment in exams, according to an official in the KU, results in delayed declaration of results.
“Most of our exams are held at college level and when the authorities order closure of colleges we are not able to hold exams,” the official said.
“When it piles up, it causes delay in sessions, delayed results and completion of degrees.”
The official said class work would resume in the varsity from Wednesday and all the exams will be held as per schedule.