Srinagar, March 03: In view of the ongoing protests across the Valley following the ki*lling of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Jammu and Kashmir government has announced the closure of all educational institutions till March 07 as a precautionary step.
Speaking exclusively to Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Education Minister Sakina Itoo stated that the decision has been taken to safeguard students amid the prevailing situation.
“To ensure the safety and well-being of students, we have decided to keep all schools, colleges, and universities closed till March 07,” the Minister said.
She further added that the government is closely monitoring the ground situation and will take a decision regarding the reopening of institutions after a proper assessment.
Reports said widespread protests broke out in several parts of Jammu and Kashmir following the reported killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in joint US-Israeli str!kes.
Notably, schools up to Class 8 were scheduled to reopen on Monday after remaining closed for more than two months due to the winter break.
Earlier, academic activities for Classes 9 to 12 had resumed on February 23 in the Kashmir Division and winter zones of the Jammu Division after a winter vacation of over 70 days.
As per the previously issued schedule, students from Class 9 onwards observed winter vacations from December 11, 2025, to February 22, 2026.
On November 25, the School Education Department (SED) had announced the winter vacation schedule in a phased manner for the Kashmir Division and winter zones of the Jammu Division.
According to the SED order, pre-primary (Balvatika) classes were to observe vacations from November 26 to February 28, 2026. For middle classes up to Class 8, the break was scheduled from December 1 to February 28. Meanwhile, Classes 9 to 12 were to observe winter vacations from December 11 to February 22.
The department had also directed teaching staff to remain available for any academic responsibilities during the vacation period and instructed them to report back to their respective schools on February 20, 2026, to make necessary arrangements for reopening.
Additionally, colleges in the Kashmir Valley had resumed academic work on February 16 after a 52-day winter vacation.
Earlier, on December 23, 2025, the Higher Education Department had announced a 52-day winter break for degree colleges located in the winter zones of the Kashmir Division.
As per the government order, degree colleges in the Kashmir Division and those falling under the winter zone of the Jammu Division were to observe winter vacations from December 2
