Educational institutions have bore the brunt of the ongoing conflict in the Valley especially after the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen militant Burhan Wani in July.
On Monday night, another school building was set ablaze in North Kashmir's Bandipore district. Middle School Saderkote is the 19th government school to be burnt down. Nobody has claimed responsibility for the attacks so far and though these cases have been registered by the police, no arrests have been made.
Six buildings were gutted or damaged in Kashmir’s Kulgam district. Three were targeted in Budgam, two in Bandipore, two in Baramulla, two in Shopian and one each in Kupwara, Anantnag, Ganderbal and Pulwama districts. Over 5,000 students had been enrolled in these schools.
Speaking to Indian Express, Ajaz Ahmad, Director of Education in Kashmir, said that the number of chowkidars and night watchmen manning these schools will be increased.
Another senior officer of the education department said that if the necessary steps are not taken, "The number of schools burnt could go higher. It is meant to deprive poor people of education."
Since reconstruction and creation of new schools will require funds and time, chief education officer of Bandipore said told Indian Express that "once the schools reopen, we will try to accommodate students whose classrooms have been burnt."
(With inputs from Indian Express)
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