Free movement of school buses, opening of schools urged in Srinagar

SRINAGAR - A seminar on education was held here on Sunday in which the participating scholars and members of civil society urged the separatists and the Government to allow free movement of school buses and opening of schools for students’ welfare.

Organised by the Jammu and Kashmir Youth Development forum, the day-long seminar titled “Freedom to Education” in which a number of lawyers, doctors, journalists, students and other members of the civil society participated.

The participating speakers, while debating over the importance of education, observed that children in the valley were being pushed towards illiteracy for petty political interests. “When world is moving ahead, we keep our children away from schools, colleges and universities.”

Dr Nawab Aman, who runs his chain of polyclinics in Middle East, said, “Kashmir has remained far behind on developmental front. Unless we won’t give attention to education, development would elude.”

“Kashmiri youth are talented but they lack exposure,” he said.

Abdul Jabar Chaker, a former bureaucrat, on this occasion, stressed upon the need for making a movement which would help revival of education in Kashmir.

G. N Bodha, former Deputy Commissioner, said, “Youth of Kashmir is being exploited by the leadership. Time has come when we should stand on our feet. No nation can prosper if they are illiterate.”

One of the participants was a Kashmir University student Shabir Ahmad Dar, who said, ” Education standard had started to improve in Kashmir. Our boys were performing well in competitive exams. Dr Shah Faisal, the IAS topper made Kashmir nation proud. But unfortunately from the last few months some vested interests are hell bent to ruin the education of Kashmiri students.”

Another speaker Abdul Majeed Khan, a former Superintendent Engineer said, “Kashmiri nation needs self introspection. We are burning our schools and then aspire for freedom. We can be free only when our younger generation is educated.”

The speakers appealed separatists and the government to allow the free movement of school buses and opening of schools, as they stated:

“We appeal all stake holders to declare education as an essential service. Those, who are issuing protest calendars, and the government should, without any delay, allow the free movement of school buses and opening of schools.”

Besides JKYDF activists more than 80 people including G N Wani former joint commissioner SMC, Abdul Rehman Shah, a contractor, G A Gojri, ex Union President HMT and Dr Bashir Ahmad also attended the seminar. (ANI)