All schools, universities, and colleges in the Kashmir valley will remain shut until March 7, 2026, the Jammu and Kashmir government has announced. This decision was taken as a measure after widespread protests broke out following the reported killing of ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a joint US-Israel military strike. The closure applies to the entire Kashmir division, including other major districts.
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Reason for the Closure
Protests started in the valley after the news of Khamenei’s death triggered anger among sections of the local population, mainly in areas with a major Shia community. Various took to the streets in places such as Srinagar, Sopore, and Baramulla, leading authorities to impose security restrictions to save and order issues.
The government initially closed educational institutions for two days as a short-term safety measure. Moreover, as demonstrations continued and the situation stayed tense, the closure was extended to March 7. Jammu and Kashmir’s education minister, Sakina Itoo, confirmed the decision and said it will be reviewed based on developments on the ground.
Security Situation and Other Measures
Along with school closures, authorities have balanced security curbs across the valley. In some areas, mobile internet speed was restricted to 2G as a precaution to reduce the spread of misinformation and control tensions. Also, major city centres such as Lal Chowk in Srinagar have been barricaded, and concertina wires have been placed to save large gatherings.
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Impact and Context
The extended shutdown shows how international events such as the Iran conflict can ripple into local situations far away, mainly in sensitive regions such as Kashmir. Students, parents, and educators are concerned about the disruption to education, including postponed exams and missed classroom days. Government officials say the priority is to ensure student safety before reopening schools.