Schools reopen in Jammu amid fragile peace, marking a step toward normalcy

Life in Jammu is slowly reclaiming its rhythm as schools reopen in select zones, a hopeful sign after days of tension along the India-Pakistan border. Morning visuals from the city paint a vivid picture: children in crisp uniforms, their laughter echoing through the streets, heading to classrooms that stand as symbols of stability. This cautious step toward normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir carries the weight of resilience, though the closure of schools in border areas reminds us of the fragile peace. The reopening of schools in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in Jammu’s safer zones like Doda, Kishtwar, Reasi, and Ramban on May 13, 2025, followed by select border districts like Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Rajouri, and Poonch on May 15, is a deliberate move by the administration. It follows a ceasefire agreement on May 10, after heightened conflict sparked by the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22 and India’s retaliatory Operation Sindoor. The return of students to their desks is more than a logistical victory—it’s a statement of defiance against disruption, a reclaiming of routine for communities long caught in the crosshairs of conflict. Yet, the joy of reopening is tempered by the reality of the region’s volatility. Schools in border districts remain shuttered, a precaution against the ever-present threat of escalation. For parents, the decision to send their children back is fraught with both hope and anxiety. Education, a beacon of progress, has often been a casualty of unrest in Jammu and Kashmir, with closures disrupting not just learning but the sense of normalcy that children crave. Each step toward reopening is a gamble on peace, a fragile trust in the ceasefire holding firm. The visuals of children streaming into schools, their backpacks bouncing as they reunite with friends, carry a deeper meaning. They reflect a collective yearning for a future unmarred by violence, where education can flourish uninterrupted. But the path to that future is fraught with challenges—security concerns, the psychological toll on students and families, and the need for sustained dialogue to ensure lasting peace. For now, the reopening of schools in Jammu is a small but significant victory, a reminder that even in the shadow of conflict, life persists, adapts, and hopes.