Anantnag, July 9, KNT: The ongoing Amarnath Yatra has triggered serious concerns among parents and educators in South Kashmir, where schoolchildren are increasingly caught in prolonged traffic halts due to Yatra-related convoy restrictions. The issue has snowballed into a public outcry after several videos showing school buses stuck in traffic gridlocks went viral on social media, drawing widespread condemnation.
Each morning, children, some as young as six, leave their homes before 7 AM to reach schools on time. However, due to the scheduled halting of civilian traffic for smooth passage of Yatra convoys, many of these buses are forced to wait on roadsides for hours, causing significant delays. The children, visibly exhausted and anxious, often reach their schools well past the first period, resulting in disrupted studies and loss of classroom hours.
“This is becoming a daily nightmare,” said a parent from Bijbehara. “Our children are suffering through no fault of theirs. The administration must prioritize their safety and education.”
Social media platforms are flooded with posts from concerned citizens, many tagging the Education Minister and demanding immediate redressal. One widely shared video showed a line of school buses stuck near Anantnag while the Yatra convoy passed. Netizens have pointed out that the authorities need to strike a balance between facilitating the pilgrimage and safeguarding children’s right to education.
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“Either the school timings should be revised, or school buses must be exempted from traffic halts during the Yatra cut-off hours,” wrote one user on X, echoing the growing sentiment among South Kashmir residents.
Parents and school authorities have jointly appealed to the Education Minister and Divisional Commissioner Kashmir to intervene and ensure that school buses are given smooth and prioritized passage during peak hours.
While the Amarnath Yatra is a significant religious event, locals argue that it should not come at the cost of children’s academic future. “We respect the Yatra, but it should not mean our children suffer daily stress and miss valuable school time,” said a school principal. [KNT]
