Schools Reopen Across Kashmir Valley After Protest Calm

March 9, 2026

Educational institutions across the Kashmir Valley reopened on Monday after remaining closed for several days due to widespread protests triggered by geopolitical developments in West Asia. The Jammu and Kashmir administration allowed schools, colleges, and universities to resume classes after reviewing the security situation and confirming that normalcy had largely returned to the region.

Officials said the decision was taken following an assessment of the ground situation by the administration and the education department. Authorities concluded that conditions were stable enough to allow students to safely return to classrooms.

The reopening brought relief to thousands of students and parents who had been uncertain about the academic schedule due to the unexpected closure of educational institutions.

Institutions were closed after protests erupted

The temporary shutdown of schools and colleges had been ordered earlier as a precautionary measure following protests in parts of Kashmir. Demonstrations were triggered after reports of US-Israeli airstrikes in Iran that led to the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

The incident sparked strong reactions in some areas of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in regions with significant Shia populations. Authorities feared that public anger could escalate into law-and-order issues, prompting them to suspend academic activities across the Valley.

During this period, security forces were deployed in sensitive locations, and restrictions were imposed in certain areas to maintain peace and prevent any untoward incidents.

Government reviews security situation before reopening

Jammu and Kashmir Education Minister Sakina Itoo announced that all educational institutions in the Kashmir region would reopen after authorities reviewed the situation and found it suitable for normal activities to resume.

She said that the government had taken the precautionary step of closing institutions earlier to ensure the safety of students and staff. However, with protests subsiding and the situation stabilising, the administration decided it was appropriate to reopen schools, colleges, and universities.

The minister also urged students, parents, and teachers to cooperate with authorities and maintain calm to ensure that academic activities continue without disruption.

Academic schedule affected by sudden closure

The shutdown disrupted academic schedules across the Valley, particularly as many schools had just reopened after the winter vacation. Students from higher classes had recently resumed studies following a long winter break, and preparations for examinations and regular classes were underway.

Several universities and colleges had postponed examinations and academic events during the closure period. Educational authorities are now expected to issue revised schedules for exams and classes that were affected.

Teachers and school administrations have been instructed to help students cover missed lessons so that the academic calendar remains largely on track.

Authorities appeal for peace and normalcy

Officials have appealed to residents to maintain peace and avoid actions that could disturb public order. Security agencies will continue to monitor the situation across the Valley to ensure that educational institutions function normally.

The reopening of schools and colleges is being viewed as a sign that conditions in the region are gradually returning to normal. For students and educators, the resumption of classes marks an important step toward restoring routine academic life after a brief period of disruption.