Srinagar, Mar 20: Even as relative calm has returned along the Line of Control (LoC) following Operation Sindoor, its psychological impact continues to haunt school-going children in Uri’s border villages, triggering a decline in enrolment across several government schools.
Officials in the education department said many families residing close to the LoC are increasingly shifting their children to schools in Uri town and other parts of Baramulla district, fearing a recurrence of cross-border shelling.
“Enrolment has decreased in schools located near the LoC, especially after Operation Sindoor. Parents are reluctant to send their children to institutions that fall within vulnerable zones,” an education department official in Uri told Rising Kashmir, without disclosing specific figures.
The impact is visible in institutions such as Government Boys Middle School, Sourha, and Government Girls Middle School, Hathlanga—both located within the border fence—where attendance and enrolment have dropped significantly. In a more severe case, Government Boys Primary School, Silikote has been shut down due to dwindling student numbers driven by persistent fear among residents.
Officials said at least five schools were damaged during last year’s hostilities under Operation Sindoor, including institutions in Batgran, Charunda, Garkote, and adjoining areas, further deepening the sense of insecurity among locals.
Residents say the trauma of past shelling continues to influence daily decisions, particularly regarding children’s safety. “Even though there is no firing now, the fear hasn’t gone away. We cannot take risks with our children’s lives. Many families have shifted them to safer schools in Uri town,” said Lal Hussain Kohli, a resident of Charunda village.
Echoing similar concerns, Bashir Ahmad from Garkote said, “Whenever tensions rise, these villages are the first to be affected. Schools become unsafe, and children are the worst sufferers. Parents prefer to send them away rather than live in constant fear.”
A senior education department official, wishing not to be named, acknowledged the challenge, stating that border schools have historically faced disruptions due to ceasefire violations. “Frequent shelling in the past has created a deep sense of panic among families. This often results in migration of students to safer areas, leading to declining enrolment and, in some cases, closure of schools,” the official said.
He added that the department continues to organise programmes aimed at restoring confidence and bringing children back to schools along the LoC. “We conducted a similar programme last year as well, and the department remains committed to increasing enrolment in these institutions,” he said.
Educationists warn that if the trend continues, it could have long-term implications for the region’s educational landscape. They stress the need for confidence-building measures, improved infrastructure, and stronger safety assurances to encourage parents to send their children back to local schools.
