'Schools are like mosques for us', says Rajouri students over burning of temples of learning

Students of the Kashmir Valley have responded strongly to the orchestrated burning of schools.

"We want security arrangements to be increased in our schools as they are like mosques for us," a student said.

"The burning of schools must stop, as it is wrong. Schools are bigger than any temple or masjid because all hopes of students rest on his or her education and for a better future. We demand better security for our schools," said another.

"We have talented students who have cracked the IAS (civil service exams) and other exams. But by burning these schools, it would derail the scope for improvement in the valley. Just because of protests over the past three months, the whole education system is shut down. The new modus operandi used by miscreants to burn schools is very unfortunate and sends out a very wrong message. It also derails the future of the valley," a resident teacher said.

"Perpetrators are not just burning the schools, but also burning the future of our children. There are students who walk ten kilometers to attend school. We urge the government to act against these miscreants as they are murdering society," he added.

As many as 32 schools have been targeted by unknown persons since the unrest began in Kashmir on July 8 following the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen militant Burhan Wani in an encounter with security forces in Anantnag district.

The Jammu and Kashmir High Court took suo moto cognisance of the incidents last week and directed the state government to ensure that all schools are protected.