Education suspension and exam cancellations in Punjab region amid India-Pakistan conflict escalation
In the heat of growing tensions, Punjab – neighboring Pakistan with a shared 532-km border – has taken proactive steps to secure its citizens. The state government has ordered a shutdown of all educational institutions and shelved exams due to the volatile situation. The I.K. Gujral Punjab Technical University in Jalandhar halted end-of-semester exams, citing unpredictable circumstances.
The new exam schedule will be released at least five days prior to resuming, ensuring ample time for sizable preparation. For public convenience, a control room has been established at the landline phone numbers 0172-2741803 and 0172-2749901.
The decision to close schools, colleges, and universities, encompassing government, private, and aided institutions, was made by Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains. A few border districts, including Ferozpur, Pathankot, Fazilka, Amritsar, Gurdaspur, and Tarn Taran, witnessed blackouts and attempted infiltrations via Pakistani drones on the night of Thursday.
Chandigarh, the joint capital of Punjab and Haryana, also ordered school closures till Saturday. On Thursday morning, the Border Security Force (BSF) neutralized a Pakistani intruder on the Ferozepur sector's frontline. The unidentified intruder was shot dead while attempting to infiltrate near a gate adjacent to the Lakha Singh Wala BSF post.
Villagers in bordering regions, such as Amritsar, Ferozepur, Gurdaspur, and Tarn Taran, have started moving their possessions to safer locations, despite no official evacuation orders having been issued by the BSF, Indian Army, or local civilian authorities. The leave of all Punjab Police personnel has been revoked to ensure preparedness in the event of escalation.
Punjab Aam Aadmi Party Chief Aman Arora declared wholehearted support for the Indian Army. Arora also spoke about the Punjab Police's readiness, claiming that they would join the Army in responding to any Pakistani aggression.
Given its 532-km border with Pakistan, Punjab's role in addressing military conflicts is vital. In an effort to minimize civilian risk and maintain public safety, the state government has urged citizens to strictly adhere to government orders and guidelines.
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- The I.K. Gujral Punjab Technical University, in the heart of Punjab, has postponed end-of-semester exams due to the unfolding war-and-conflicts situation along the Pakistan border, citing unforeseen circumstances.
- In light of the growing political tensions between India and Pakistan, the state government has established a control room at the landline phone numbers 0172-2741803 and 0172-2749901, providing the public with essential information during these challenging times.
- In the midst of the critical situation, General News from Punjab is replete with reports of attempted infiltrations via Pakistani drones, blackouts in border districts, and the neutralization of intruders by the Border Security Force (BSF).
- Amidst the heightened crime-and-justice activity along the Punjab-Pakistan border, Punjab Aam Aadmi Party Chief Aman Arora has pledged unwavering support for the Indian Army, asserting that the Punjab Police stand ready to assist the Army in responding to any hostile actions from Pakistan.
