Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir have ordered the closure of all educational institutions across ten districts for Thursday, May 8, 2025, in response to escalating border tensions and ongoing security operations following deadly cross-border shelling and retaliatory strikes. This precautionary measure affects both government and private schools, colleges, and educational institutions in the Jammu division's five border districts—Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Rajouri, and Poonch.
The directive was issued by the Divisional Commissioner Jammu, who stated, "In view of the prevailing situation, all Schools, Colleges & educational institutions (private as well as Government) in the districts of Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Rajouri and Poonch will remain closed tomorrow also." A similar order has been put in place for the Kashmir division, where all educational institutions in Baramulla, Kupwara, Gurez, and areas around Awantipora and the Srinagar Airport will also be closed.
This widespread closure follows a sharp escalation of violence along the Line of Control (LoC) and the International Border (IB), where at least 12 civilians, including children and women, were killed and over 50 injured in Pakistani shelling. The situation intensified after India launched Operation Sindoor, a missile strike operation targeting nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. This retaliatory action came in response to a terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians.
In light of the heightened tensions, both the Jammu and Kashmir administrations have begun evacuating residents from vulnerable border areas and are establishing temporary shelters. Deputy Commissioners have been directed to ensure the provision of food, medical aid, transport, and safety for the affected populations. Officials emphasized that the decision to close educational institutions was made in the interest of student safety and is part of broader precautionary measures being implemented across the region.
In a related development, heavy Pakistani shelling was reported not only in Poonch but also in forward areas of Rajouri district and the Uri, Karnah, and Tangdhar sectors in Kupwara district. This increased military activity has left many residents in panic, prompting some to engage in panic buying. Deepak Gupta, President of the Jammu Traders' Federation, reassured the public, stating, "People are panic buying due to fear (of war), but there is absolutely no need to worry. We have enough ration to last three months." He also noted that prices of essential items like oil, flour, and rice have been reduced to ease the burden on the public.
Gupta praised the success of Operation Sindoor, which he described as a decisive action against terrorist bases in Pakistan. He stated, "We congratulate the armed forces and the Government of India for destroying Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed's terror bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir," adding that nine terror hideouts had been destroyed under the operation. He called for the continuation of these efforts until all training camps in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir are eliminated.
As tensions rise, the economic implications of the conflict are also becoming evident. The Prime Minister has accepted the federation's long-standing demand to suspend all trade with Pakistan, a move Gupta supports as necessary for national security. He remarked, "Now is the time for decisive action." Meanwhile, security forces remain on high alert, and emergency measures continue in vulnerable areas.
On the ground, hundreds of residents along the LoC and IB in the Jammu region were evacuated to safer zones in response to the shelling. The Jammu and Kashmir government has mobilized resources to facilitate the evacuation and ensure the safety of residents, particularly women and children. In Jammu, public rallies were held in support of the armed forces, with slogans praising their efforts in the ongoing conflict.
In a further response to the crisis, the University of Jammu announced the postponement of all examinations scheduled from May 8 to May 10, 2025, citing the prevailing war-like situation and disturbances along the border. The university's notification stated, "Due to the prevailing war-like situation and consequent disturbances along the border areas, all University Examinations scheduled to be held from 8th May to 10th May, 2025, stand postponed." Fresh dates for the postponed examinations will be announced separately.
The airspace restrictions following India's military actions have led to significant disruptions in air travel. IndiGo announced the cancellation of over 165 flights from multiple airports due to these restrictions, affecting routes to and from Jammu, Srinagar, Amritsar, Leh, Chandigarh, Jodhpur, Dharamshala, Bikaner, Gwalior, Kishangarh, and Rajkot until May 10. Air India and SpiceJet also announced similar cancellations, highlighting the impact of the escalating conflict on civilian life.
As the situation continues to evolve, the Jammu and Kashmir government has established a control room in Srinagar to coordinate emergency responses and assist residents. This Joint Control Room, operating round-the-clock, will facilitate interdepartmental coordination and address public grievances. Residents are urged to contact the control room for assistance and updates on the situation.
The ongoing conflict and military actions have created a climate of fear and uncertainty in Jammu and Kashmir, with civilians bearing the brunt of the violence. As authorities work to ensure the safety and well-being of residents, the broader implications of this conflict continue to unfold.
