Days after Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) was put in a shutdown mode ahead of abrogation of Article 370 and Article 35A along with bifurcation of the state, schools reopened in Udhampur on Friday, as the section 144 imposed in the state is being gradually relaxed in the district by the district administration.
According to a report, Deputy Commissioner Piyush Singla in conversation with ANI stated that section 144 was still imposed in the district with exceptions in some areas. “The administration will monitor the vulnerable areas very closely. Section 144 will be withdrawn gradually after analyzing the situation here. The security plan is in place,” he added.
In the run-up to the government of India’s (GoI) decision to abrogate Article 370 granting separate status to J&K, the government had pre-emptively imposed Section 144 in the state Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) prohibits the assembly of more than 4 people in an area.
Singla lauded the cooperation of the local residents in keeping the law and order situation under check, due to which the markets were open between 11 am 5 pm in the area. He informed that while district administration had ordered the reopening of the school, the colleges would continue to remain shut. He reassured the students by stating that teachers are also on the way and they should not worry.
Neelu Sharma, Principal of Govt. Girls Higher Secondary School in Udhampur said, “As per order of Chief Education Officer and district administration, the school was reopened almost after five days. As section 144 was imposed, several roads were blocked by the security forces. Despite having troubles reaching, almost all our staff members are present here.”
The students echoed her sentiments by expressing their joy at the reopening of the schools.
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The union government is trading with caution after abrogating Article 370. Thought schools have reopened, holding public rallies or meetings will not be allowed until further orders regarding the same are issued. During this period, identity cards of essential services officials would serve as movement passes.
Section 144 withdrawn from Jammu; schools, colleges to reopen tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/dgnDORnDJY
— ABP News (@ABPNews) August 9, 2019
Meanwhile, in a major relief to the residents across Jammu, Samba and Kathua, section 144 would be lifted from Jammu while schools and colleges would reopen tomorrow.
