Life returns to normal in Jammu, Schools in non-border distts reopening today

Jammu: Life in Jammu is gradually limping back to normalcy following a tense standoff between India and Pakistan, triggered by the April 22, Pahalgam terrorist attack that claimed 26 lives.
The ceasefire agreement reached on May 10, has brought a calm to the region, with markets reopening, streets buzzing with activity, and educational institutions in all non-border districts of Jammu as well as Kashmir divisions set to resume operations from tomorrow.
The recent escalation, marked by India’s ‘Operation Sindoor’ on May 7, targeted terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, followed by retaliatory drone and missile exchanges.
Jammu faced significant disruptions, including blackouts, sirens and explosions near the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch and Rajouri districts.
Schools and colleges in border districts like Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Rajouri, and Poonch were closed from May 7 as a precautionary measure.
The Jammu and Kashmir Education Department, however, announced the reopening of schools and colleges in non-border districts starting tomorrow (May 13), signaling a return to normalcy.
“After reviewing the situation, educational institutions in non-border districts of Jammu and Kashmir will resume classes on May 13,” stated Education Minister Sakina Itoo.
However, border districts will continue to see closures as a precautionary measure due to lingering security concerns.
Local residents expressed relief as the city began to recover. “It will take some time, but everything will be fine,” said a Jammu local, reflecting the cautious optimism in the air. Markets, which had shuttered during the height of tensions, are now bustling again, and no sirens or drone sightings have been reported since the ceasefire took effect.
The Indian Army reported that the night of May 11-12 remained largely peaceful across Jammu and Kashmir, with no significant ceasefire violations. The Border Security Force (BSF) also foiled a major infiltration bid in Samba district on May 8, underscoring the continued vigilance of security forces