With the recent ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan bringing a fragile peace to parts of Jammu & Kashmir, schools in Katra — the base town for the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine — have officially reopened, signaling a cautious return to normalcy.
The Jammu & Kashmir administration confirmed the resumption of classes following an improvement in the security environment along the border. Schools had been shut as a precautionary measure amid rising tensions and military activity during the recent conflict.
Deputy Commissioner of Reasi has instructed education officials to ensure a safe, supportive, and clean learning environment for returning students. Special focus is being placed on sanitation and mental health support for those affected by the disruption.
For students in Katra, the return to classrooms has brought a wave of relief and optimism.
“Due to the India-Pakistan tensions, our education was interrupted. But now that schools are open, we are very happy. Jai Hind!” said a student from Huda Public School, Katra.
Preeti Sharma, from Trikuta Public Higher Secondary School, added, “Our education suffered during the conflict, but now we are back in class. We thank the Army for keeping us safe.”
Another student, Kanak Sharma, expressed her gratitude to the armed forces: “I’m in 12th standard. During Operation Sindoor, schools were closed due to missile threats. Now that we’re back, I feel lucky and grateful to live in Katra.”
However, while peace has returned to Katra, the situation remains tense in border villages of Samba district, where fresh concerns have emerged following suspected ceasefire violations.
Residents reported blasts and drone sightings on Monday night. One house suffered damage as shell splinters hit the roof and kitchen. Though there were no casualties, fear continues to grip the local population.
Dalbeer Singh, a resident of the affected village, said, “We heard loud noises at night and discovered the damage in the morning. Police came later to assess the situation. People are scared.”
Prakar Singh, another resident, added, “When the drone attack happened, I was trying to calm my children. Pakistan is not adhering to the agreement.”
Army sources confirmed that a few drones entered the Samba sector on Monday evening, prompting India’s air defence to engage them. They reassured the public that the situation is under control and there is “no cause for alarm.”
As educational institutions resume in safer zones, authorities continue to monitor border districts, aiming to prevent further escalation and safeguard civilian life.
