The atmosphere of heightened security and escalating tensions in the aftermath of “Operation Sindoor” has prompted authorities in several sensitive border regions to take precautionary measures aimed at ensuring the safety and well-being of their civilian population, particularly the student community. Consequently, schools across Jammu and Kashmir, the border districts of Punjab, and the city of Jodhpur in Rajasthan have been ordered to shut down temporarily, effective Thursday, May 8, 2025.
These closures come as a direct response to the heightened security scenario following India’s retaliatory military action against terrorist infrastructure inside Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK). “Operation Sindoor,” launched in the wake of a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, has understandably led to increased vigilance and a state of alert in regions bordering Pakistan, as well as areas perceived to be at higher risk due to their strategic importance or past history of security-related incidents.
In Jammu and Kashmir, the administration has ordered a widespread closure of all educational institutions across ten districts as a precautionary measure. This directive, issued by the Divisional Commissioners of both the Jammu and Kashmir divisions, encompasses all government and private schools, colleges, and other educational establishments. Specifically, the closure affects the five border districts of the Jammu division – Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Rajouri, and Poonch – as well as institutions in Baramulla, Kupwara, Gurez, and areas surrounding Awantipora and the Srinagar Airport in the Kashmir division.
The authorities cited the “prevailing security concerns” and the need to ensure the safety of students and staff as the primary reasons for this decision. Additionally, there are reports of residents in vulnerable border areas being evacuated to safer locations, with temporary shelters being established and provisions for food, medical aid, transport, and security being made. The University of Jammu has also announced the postponement of all examinations scheduled between May 8th and May 10th, further underscoring the seriousness of the situation.
Similarly, in Punjab, which shares a long and sensitive border with Pakistan, the state government has ordered the closure of schools in the border districts as a proactive measure. The districts affected include Ferozepur, Pathankot, Fazilka, Amritsar, and Gurdaspur. The Deputy Commissioner of Ferozepur issued an order for a 72-hour closure of all schools in the district, while Pathankot also announced a similar shutdown for the same duration. Authorities in Amritsar, Gurdaspur, and Fazilka have also confirmed the closure of all educational institutions in their respective districts for an indefinite period or until further notice. This decision reflects the state’s heightened state of alert and the priority being given to the safety of students in the border regions, which are considered more vulnerable in the current climate of escalated tensions.
Extending beyond the immediate border states, the city of Jodhpur in Rajasthan has also ordered the closure of all schools, both government and private, as well as Anganwadi centers, effective Thursday, May 8th, until further orders. This decision, announced by the District Collector of Jodhpur, comes in the wake of “Operation Sindoor” and the resulting increase in security concerns. While Jodhpur is not a direct border district in the same way as those in Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir, it is strategically located within Rajasthan, which shares a significant border with Pakistan. The closure of schools in Jodhpur indicates a broader state-wide alert and a commitment to taking all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of the civilian population in light of the regional tensions. Other border districts of Rajasthan, including Barmer, Bikaner, Sri Ganganagar, and Jaisalmer, have also reportedly ordered school closures until further notice, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to safety across the state’s sensitive western flank.
The simultaneous closure of schools across these geographically significant regions underscores the gravity of the prevailing security situation and the proactive approach adopted by the respective state governments to mitigate potential risks to their student populations. These measures, while causing temporary disruption to the academic schedules, are deemed necessary to ensure the safety and security of children during a period of heightened tensions and uncertainty in the northern parts of India. The situation is being closely monitored by the authorities, and any decisions regarding the reopening of schools will likely be based on a careful assessment of the evolving security landscape and directives from the relevant government bodies.