HP coordinates with J&K for safe evacuation of 103 students; Educational institutions shut in Una
Shimla, May 9,
Amidst the rising tensions along the India-Pakistan border following the Pahalgaon massacre, the Himachal Pradesh Government is making urgent efforts to ensure the safe evacuation of around 103 students from the state currently studying in militancy-affected areas of Jammu and Kashmir.
In a press release issued today, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu stated that the state government is in constant touch with the Jammu and Kashmir administration to facilitate the students’ safe return. He emphasized that necessary steps are being taken to ensure the well-being of Himachali students, particularly after educational institutions in border districts were ordered to shut down on Thursday.
Local MLA and Deputy Chief Whip, Kewal Singh Pathania, said that after he raised the matter, the Chief Minister assured that no stone would be left unturned in ensuring the safety of the students. The Chief Minister has directed the Chief Secretary to initiate prompt and coordinated action for their evacuation.
Pathania informed that numerous families of students studying in J&K had approached him, requesting the government’s intervention to bring their children home safely.
Meanwhile, in Una district, all schools, colleges, and Anganwadi centers have been closed due to the district’s close proximity to Punjab. The decision followed security concerns after reports emerged of a drone attack attempt on the Pathankot Airbase, which led to the abandonment of an IPL match scheduled for last night.
Dharamshala and several other areas, including Una, experienced a blackout as a precautionary measure after alerts regarding drone attacks in Pathankot and Jammu. While there was no panic, the blackout was implemented in response to national security protocols.
Increased tourist activity has been reported in resorts across Himachal Pradesh, as students and others from the affected border regions are being moved to safer locations like Shimla. The state government is actively assisting Himachali residents returning from these areas.
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