Operation Sindoor: Schools Shut Across J&K, Punjab, Rajasthan Amid Soaring Indo-Pak Tensions

Srinagar/New Delhi | May 8, 2025 – In the wake of heightened tensions following Operation Sindoor, a strategic military operation by India targeting terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), authorities have ordered the closure of schools and colleges across several sensitive districts in Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, and Rajasthan.

The sweeping precautionary measure comes amid growing fears of cross-border retaliation and is aimed at ensuring the safety of students and staff in vulnerable regions.

In Jammu Division, all educational institutions—government and private—have been closed until further notice in five border districts: Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Rajouri, and Poonch.

The Kashmir Division has also seen targeted shutdowns. Institutions in Baramulla, Kupwara, Gurez, and Awantipora, as well as areas surrounding the Srinagar Airport, are under suspension due to elevated security threats.

In Punjab, schools in the districts of Ferozepur, Pathankot, Amritsar, Gurdaspur, and Fazilka have been ordered shut for 72 hours, effective May 7. Educational activities have been suspended, but staff are expected to remain on duty unless otherwise directed.

Rajasthan has followed suit, with schools in Barmer, Bikaner, Sri Ganganagar, and Jaisalmer closed as a security measure. While students have been sent home, staff attendance remains mandatory. Examinations and other academic activities have been postponed.

According to Kashmir Life, local administrations have launched relief operations in vulnerable zones. Temporary shelters are being set up, and residents in high-risk areas are being relocated. Deputy Commissioners have been instructed to ensure the uninterrupted supply of food, medical aid, transport, and security in the affected regions.

The closures and precautions are being monitored at the highest levels of government, as India remains on alert following precision missile strikes that took out multiple terror facilities across the border.

Authorities have urged the public to remain calm and cooperate with official directives as the situation continues to unfold.