G-20 meet | Several schools closed, mainstream politicians, minorities put on alert in Kashmir

Schools at “vulnerable” points have been closed and minorities, migrant workers and mainstream politicians are being put on alert in Kashmir.

Schools at “vulnerable” points have been closed and members of minorities, migrant workers and mainstream politicians are being put on alert in Kashmir, especially Srinagar, ahead of the G-20 Tourism Working Group meeting scheduled for next week.

Official sources said several schools in the city, especially those in “vulnerable pockets” in Srinagar, will be closed for the next one week. A teacher, who teaches at a private school located on the outskirts of Srinagar city, said she received “directions from the school administration to announce a nine-day holiday from May 17”. 

“The feeling among the people is that there is no prospect of any disturbance during the G-20 meeting. I wish the administration didn’t impose its will and ask educational institutions to be closed for five to seven days,” senior Congress leader Saif-ud-Din Soz said.

Official sources said security around those pockets inhabited by members of the minority communities in south Kashmir have been heightened and the members advised “to be careful, especially after sundown”. 

Police have been asked to increase vigil in the areas where migrant labourers reside in the city. Several road intersections, where labourers would assemble, have been closed for traffic and labourers have been advised against assembling on roadsides, official sources said.  

Several protected mainstream leaders have been advised “to restrict their movement” till the G-20 meeting is over. “We have been advised to limit our movement in the wake of growing threats [from militants],” a senior leader said. 

Commuters alleged the police seized dozens of two-wheelers, which could be used by militants, for “violating traffic rules”.