TUESDAY 20 AUGUST 2019

India orders schools to reopen

– but Kashmir’s parents keep

kids at home

A security forces member patrols a deserted road in the disputed region (AFP)

SAMAAN LATEEF

IN SRINAGAR

Parents across Kashmir kept their children at home, despite an order from Indian authorities for schools to
reopen, fearing the youngsters could get caught in clashes between civilian protesters and armed personnel.
Authorities closed schools and colleges on 5 August after India revoked the special status of Kashmir, which
is divided between India and Pakistan and claimed in entirety by both.

Kashmiris have criticised the authorities for reopening the schools when the situation remains volatile and
clashes continue. The ongoing internet and communications blockade also contributed to the fears of
parents who had no means of contacting the school authorities.

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