Getting help from public to check school burning: J&K Govt to High Court

Jammu and Kashmir High Court has pulled up the state officials over continuing incidents of schools being targeted in the unrest-hit Valley even as it was informed that authorities are getting help from locals in keeping vigil at these buildings.

The Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, told the court that six out of 11 attempts to target schools have been frustrated recently as there is overwhelming response from people towards safeguarding the schools.

“Where were your officials when attempt was made to burn two more schools (on Sunday). “Compliance on papers is not enough,” a division bench comprising justices S Ramalingam and Ali Mohammad Magrey said on Monday while hearing a PIL on schools being burnt by unidentified attackers in the Valley.

The bench said it was concerned about saving the schools. The High Court had taken suo motu cognizance of the incidents of burning of schools in Kashmir last month and directed the officials -- Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Inspector General of Police Kashmir and Director School Education -- to take steps to prevent any harm to more schools.

The court had also sought a status report from them and directed them to be present in the court on Monday.

The court, while rapping the Government for its failure to stop burning of schools, asked it to take effective measures for safeguarding the educational institutions.