Why Did Punjab Close All Educational Institutions and Cancel Exams?
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Synopsis
In a decisive move amidst rising tensions, Punjab has closed all educational institutions and canceled exams. This urgent action is taken as a precautionary measure following a series of incidents along its 532-km border with Pakistan. The situation remains fluid, and authorities are urging citizens to stay vigilant.
Key Takeaways
- Punjab has closed all educational institutions for three days.
- Examinations have been postponed due to security concerns.
- Residents in border villages are relocating to safer areas.
- Authorities have set up a control room for public assistance.
- Public safety remains the top priority amidst heightened tensions.
Chandigarh, May 9 (NationPress) In light of escalating tensions, Punjab, which shares a 532-km border with Pakistan, has mandated the closure of all educational institutions and has canceled examinations.
I.K. Gujral Punjab Technical University in Jalandhar announced on Friday that, with the approval of the relevant authorities, the end semester examinations are postponed indefinitely due to unforeseen circumstances.
The revised examination schedule will be shared at least five days before the new commencement date, as stated by the university.
The state government has established a control room for public assistance.
Individuals can contact this control room at the landline numbers 0172-2741803 and 0172-2749901.
State Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains indicated that given the developing situation, "it is hereby ordered that all schools, colleges, and universities—government, private, and aided—throughout Punjab will remain entirely closed for the next three days." On Thursday night, power outages were reported in six border districts of Punjab—Ferozpur, Pathankot, Fazilka, Amritsar, Gurdaspur, and Tarn Taran—where attempts of infiltration by Pakistani drones occurred.
In Chandigarh, the joint capital of Punjab and Haryana, all schools have been closed until Saturday.
The Border Security Force (BSF) neutralized a Pakistani intruder in the Ferozepur sector on Thursday.
The unidentified intruder was shot dead early on Friday morning while attempting to cross the International Border between India and Pakistan.
This individual was observed trying to infiltrate near a gate adjacent to the Lakha Singh Wala BSF post.
With rising tensions between India and Pakistan, residents in some border villages of Punjab have started relocating to safer areas.
Villagers from Amritsar, Ferozpur, Gurdaspur, and Tarn Taran districts near the International Border have begun moving their belongings to safer locations, even though the BSF, Indian Army, and local civil authorities have not issued any official evacuation orders.
The leave of all Punjab Police personnel has also been canceled.
Punjab Aam Aadmi Party Chief Aman Arora stated that the state government and all three crore Punjabis stand united with the Indian Army.
Arora added that the Punjab Police, acting as the "second line of defense," is fully prepared.
"The state's police force will collaborate with the Indian Army in every battle to deliver a decisive response to any Pakistani aggression."
Punjab's extensive 532-km border with Pakistan makes the role of the state government, along with its security and law enforcement agencies, extremely vital during military tensions.
The state government has also urged the citizens of Punjab to strictly follow all government directives and guidelines to ensure public safety.
Point of View
The safety and security of citizens remain paramount. The Punjab government’s swift action to close educational institutions reflects a responsible approach to maintaining public order. It’s crucial to balance security measures while ensuring that the community remains informed and prepared.
NationPress
21/05/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were educational institutions closed in Punjab?
The Punjab government closed educational institutions to ensure public safety amid rising tensions along the border with Pakistan, including drone infiltration incidents.
What is the duration of the school closure?
All educational institutions in Punjab will remain closed for three days.
How can citizens get information during this time?
A control room has been set up by the state government, which can be contacted at landline numbers 0172-2741803 and 0172-2749901 for assistance.
Are there any evacuation orders for border villages?
No official evacuation orders have been issued, but residents in border villages have begun relocating to safer areas.
What is the state's response to the situation?
The Punjab government has urged citizens to adhere to government directives to ensure public safety and has canceled police personnel leaves for enhanced security.
