Kashmir First

DSEK Directs Schools to Suspend Internal Examinations During Muharram

Srinagar, June 13: The Directorate of School Education Kashmir (DSEK) has directed all Government and Private Recognised Schools across the Valley not to conduct any in-house examinations during the month of Muharram-ul-Haram.

According to an official order issued by the Director School Education Kashmir, schools have been instructed to refrain from holding internal assessments, term examinations, or any other in-house tests for all classes from June 23 to June 27, 2026.

The order states that the decision has been taken in view of the approaching month of Muharram-ul-Haram to ensure smooth observance of the religious period.

“All Government and Private Recognised Schools shall not conduct any in-house examinations/internal assessments/term examinations for all classes with effect from June 23 to June 27, 2026,” the order reads.

The Directorate further warned that any deviation from the instructions or failure to comply with the directive would invite disciplinary action under the relevant rules.

Copies of the order have been forwarded to the Commissioner/Secretary, School Education Department, OSD to the Education Minister, Joint Directors of the School Education Department, Joint Director SCERT (Central/KD), and all Chief Education Officers and Principals of DIETs for information and necessary action.

The move is expected to provide relief to students and educational institutions during the Muharram observances across Kashmir.

Driver Dies, Two Students Injured as School Bus Falls Into Gorge in Budgam

Srinagar, June 12: A tragic road accident occurred in the Neego Brenwar area of Khansahib in central Kashmir's Budgam district on Friday when a school bus carrying students veered off the road and rolled down a gorge, leaving the driver dead and two students injured.

Officials said the bus, affiliated with IPTS School Khansahib, lost control and plunged into a deep gorge at Neego Brenwar. The driver, identified as Shahid Ahmad Lone, son of Zahoor Ahmad Lone and a resident of Kechwari Khansahib, died on the spot.

Two students travelling in the bus sustained injuries and were immediately evacuated to Community Health Centre (CHC) Surasyar for treatment.

The injured students were later shifted to Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Chadoora for advanced medical care.

Police have registered a case and launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident. The identities of the injured students were not immediately known.

More details are awaited.

DIG SKR Chairs Yatra Preparedness Meeting at Pahalgam; Reviews Security and Coordination Arrangements for SANJY-2026

Anantnag, June 10: In view of the forthcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2026, DIG South Kashmir Range (SKR), Javid Iqbal Matoo today chaired a comprehensive Yatra preparedness meeting at Pahalgam to review security arrangements and ensure seamless coordination among all stakeholder agencies.

The meeting was attended by DIG CRPF, Commander 1 Sector Rashtriya Rifles, SSP Anantnag, Commanding Officers of Adhoc Companies, ASP North Camp Aishmuqam, and other senior officers from Police, CAPFs, and allied agencies.

During the meeting, DIG SKR reviewed the overall preparedness for the smooth and secure conduct of the annual pilgrimage. Detailed discussions were held on deployment plans, area domination, traffic management, emergency response mechanisms, communication systems, coordination among security agencies, and arrangements for the safety and convenience of pilgrims.

Emphasizing the importance of inter-agency coordination, DIG SKR directed all officers to maintain a high level of alertness and ensure effective implementation of security measures across the Yatra route. He stressed the need for proactive policing, regular briefing of personnel, and prompt response to any emerging situation.
The officers present briefed the chair regarding the arrangements made within their respective jurisdictions and assured full cooperation for the successful conduct of the Yatra.

DIG SKR expressed satisfaction over the preparedness measures undertaken so far and urged all agencies to work in close coordination to ensure a safe, secure, and hassle-free pilgrimage for devotees.

The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of the collective commitment of all security and civil agencies towards the successful conduct of Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2026.