Amid heightened security concerns in border regions, authorities in Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir have temporarily shut down schools and colleges in response to escalating tensions along the India-Pakistan border. The move comes hours after the Indian Army executed a targeted missile operation against terror camps based in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK), early Wednesday morning.
The action, designated as “Operation Sindoor”, is being viewed as a direct counterstrike to recent terrorist activity in Jammu and Kashmir, especially the Pahalgam massacre, where 26 civilians lost their lives just two weeks ago. The current military retaliation signals a clear policy shift in how India is addressing cross-border terrorism.
District Collectors in Amritsar, Fazilka, and Ferozepur — districts situated close to the International Border — have issued urgent notifications ordering the immediate closure of all educational institutions. The decision is aimed at ensuring the safety of students and staff while the situation remains unpredictable. While some schools initially informed parents about a one-day closure, officials now caution that reopening will depend on how the security environment evolves.
Meanwhile, in Jammu and Kashmir, the regional administration has followed suit, halting academic activities across multiple border districts including Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Rajouri, and Poonch. These areas remain volatile after reports confirmed exchange of heavy fire and shelling by Pakistan military units on Tuesday night, which tragically claimed the lives of three civilians.
Missile Strikes Targeting Major Terror Camps
According to defence sources, the missile strikes in Operation Sindoor were precision attacks aimed at key hideouts and training camps used by Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) — two of the most active Pakistan-based terror outfits operating in the Kashmir valley. The strikes were carried out using long-range guided missiles and focused on eliminating high-value targets identified through intelligence and satellite surveillance.
Reports indicate that at least six terror locations were destroyed, with initial assessments suggesting significant damage to infrastructure and high casualties among trained militants. The Indian Army has not released official figures but emphasized that the action was “pre-emptive” and necessary in the interest of national security.
Civilian Safety Becomes Immediate Priority
As a consequence of the strikes, security agencies across affected border areas have been placed on high alert. Civil defence units are working with local administration to implement precautionary measures, including activating underground shelters and setting up temporary relief centres.
In Punjab, local police officials confirmed that patrols and checkpoints have been doubled, particularly around sensitive areas and transport routes. Schools, meanwhile, have been instructed to remain in direct coordination with district education officers and provide real-time updates to parents regarding the reopening schedule.
“Safety of children is paramount. We are closely monitoring the situation. Schools will reopen only when the threat perception drops significantly,” said an official from the Fazilka district administration.
In Jammu and Kashmir, similar sentiments were echoed by officials in Rajouri and Poonch, where sporadic shelling has continued intermittently throughout Wednesday. “The LOC remains tense. Civilian movement is being restricted near border villages to prevent casualties,” a senior police officer stated.
Operation Sindoor: A Calculated Response to the Pahalgam Massacre
The missile operation follows one of the deadliest terror attacks in recent memory, where 26 civilians were gunned down by armed terrorists in the tourist town of Pahalgam, located in the southern part of Kashmir. The attackers, linked to Pakistan-based groups, had reportedly infiltrated through LoC breaches in the Rajouri-Poonch sector, evading border patrols by exploiting forest cover.
Following the attack, the Indian government faced mounting public pressure and demanded a more assertive military response. National security agencies launched a comprehensive investigation, using drone surveillance, local intelligence, and intercepted communications to trace the origin of the terrorists to training camps deep within PoK and Pakistani territory.
“Operation Sindoor was meticulously planned. It reflects our shift from reactive defence to proactive neutralization of terror threats across the border,” a defence analyst told Samachar Post.
As news of the operation broke, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) briefed key international partners, including the United States, France, and members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). Indian officials reiterated that the missile strikes were limited, precise, and solely focused on counter-terror operations, not military aggression.
Pakistan, however, responded with sharp condemnation, accusing India of violating international norms and threatening regional stability. Islamabad summoned the Indian envoy and warned of “serious consequences” if such actions continue.
India, on the other hand, maintains that its sovereign right to self-defence is non-negotiable and emphasized that the strikes were a direct consequence of Pakistan’s continued support for terror groups that target Indian civilians and security personnel.
School Closures Spark Worry Among Parents
As military tensions intensify, parents in both Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir are grappling with anxiety over their children’s safety. Many expressed concern about the sudden escalation and demanded more clarity from education departments and local authorities.
“I got a message at 6 am that the school is shut. We are being told it’s just for today, but who knows what will happen tomorrow,” said Harmeet Kaur, a parent from Amritsar, whose child studies in a local private school near the Attari border.
Similar concerns were echoed in Jammu, where some schools had only recently resumed full classes after previous disruptions due to snow and political unrest. “The frequent closures are affecting our children’s education. But of course, safety comes first,” said Mohammed Tariq, a resident of Samba.
School authorities have urged parents to remain patient and vigilant, assuring that academic losses will be covered once normalcy returns. Meanwhile, online classes are being considered as a contingency, especially in areas with consistent internet access.
Border Communities Brace for More Shelling
In border villages like R. S. Pura, Hiranagar, and Tarn Taran, the fear of further escalation is palpable. Local markets remain shut, and families living within 5 kilometres of the Line of Control (LoC) have either moved to government shelters or are preparing for evacuation.
“These strikes give us hope that something is being done, but it also makes us the first target if Pakistan retaliates. We’re scared,” said Joginder Singh, a farmer from Ferozepur.
Emergency response teams, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), have been deployed to sensitive zones. Local hospitals have been put on alert to handle potential mass casualties in the event of retaliatory shelling.
Government Urges Calm but Stays Vigilant
Senior officials from the Union Home Ministry and Ministry of Defence have advised state governments to remain alert but avoid triggering panic. “Our aim is to secure the border and eliminate threats before they reach our civilian areas. Citizens must cooperate and follow official instructions carefully,” said a spokesperson.
The government has assured that the Indian armed forces are fully prepared to tackle any escalation and that communication lines remain open for conflict de-escalation, provided Pakistan ceases its support for cross-border terrorism.
The closure of schools in Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir underscores the fragility of peace along the India-Pakistan border and the consequences of unresolved hostilities. As Operation Sindoor unfolds and security forces stay on high alert, the immediate focus remains on protecting lives, maintaining public order, and ensuring that border residents—especially children—stay safe amid the growing uncertainty. The days ahead will be crucial in determining whether the current military action leads to stability or further conflict in the already volatile region.
