Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is scheduled to visit Srinagar on Thursday, marking his first trip to Jammu and Kashmir since the Pahalgam terror attack and the subsequent Operation Sindoor launched by the Indian Armed Forces.
During his visit, Singh is likely to meet Armed Forces personnel stationed in the region, acknowledging their role in counterterrorism operations and overseeing the current security situation in the Valley.
Following the cessation of hostilities agreement between India and Pakistan, day-to-day life is beginning to return to normal across the Union Territory.
In a major step towards restoring routine, the Directorate of School Education, Jammu, announced on Wednesday that schools in several border areas will reopen on May 15. These include schools in:
- Jammu district: Chowki Choura, Bhalwal, Dansal, Gandhi Nagar, and Jammu zones
- Samba district: Vijaypur
- Kathua district: Barnoti, Lakhanpur, Sallan, and Ghagwal
- Rajouri district: Peeri, Kalakote, Thanamandi, Moghla, Kotranka, Khawas, Lower Hathal, and Darhal
- Poonch district: Surankote and Buffliaz
This reopening comes as a relief to thousands of students and parents after the closure of educational institutions amid recent cross-border tensions.
Adding to the signs of stability, helicopter services between Katra and the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine resumed on Wednesday, after a week-long suspension due to heightened tensions along the border.
However, security forces remain vigilant. On Tuesday, the Indian Army neutralized three terrorists affiliated with Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) in an encounter in Shopian, South Kashmir. Two of the three slain militants have been identified. Among them is Shahid Kuttay, a Category A LeT operative, involved in the April 8 attack at the Danish Resort in Srinagar, which injured two German tourists and a local driver.
Kuttay, a resident of Chotipora Heerpora in Shopian, had joined the terror outfit in March 2023.
Defence Minister Singh’s visit comes at a crucial juncture, as India redefines its response to terrorism through decisive cross-border strikes under Operation Sindoor, while balancing the resumption of civilian life in border regions.
His presence in Srinagar is expected to reinforce the government’s commitment to both security and stability in Jammu and Kashmir.
