Kashmir School Burnings: High Court Steps in, Asks Govt to Unmask Arsonists

Srinagar: With increasing number of schools being burnt in the Valley triggering an outrage, the Jammu and Kashmir High Court on Monday stepped in, directing police and civil administration to ensure their protection besides unmasking the "mysterious enemies of education" and deal with them with an "iron hand".

As various sections condemned such incidents, the state government pointed accusing fingers at separatists while the central government termed these as acts driven by the "combination of madness and perversion" and asked people of the Valley to realise that those responsible are acting at the behest of the enemy "across the border".

The court listed the case for next hearing on November 7 and directed the three officials to remain present. The bench observed that the mysterious burning of centres of learning has sent shock waves awakening all to ponder.

"Education is the main factor for intellectual excellence and prosperity. Imparting education in the centres of learning has no other viable substitute," it added.

The directions were issued to the Inspector General of Police, the Divisional Commissioner and the Director of School Education of Kashmir.

The court also directed the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police to issue necessary instructions to their district level officers including Deputy Commissioners and SPs to take all preventive measures as shall be necessary for saving the school buildings from being burnt and to ensure that no other school building is harmed or destroyed.

"Further the mysterious enemies of education shall be unmasked and dealt with iron hand," the court said. The bench lashed out at the state government, saying the "administrative authorities are required to have resort to protective measures but they are still in deep slumber, appear not to have devised any protective policy for protecting school buildings".

The court also expressed hope that the "mysterious persons" will stop burning school buildings and "also hope that the citizens will also help in protecting school buildings".