All government schools of Ramban town remained closed on Friday in order to accommodate the travelling Amarnath Yatris, as the Yatra was suspended on Wednesday amidst bad weather conditions.
According to an order issued by the local district administration, GHSS Ramban, GGHS Ramban, GCMS Ramban and Bhartita Vidya Mandir Ramban, shall remain closed for academic activities on July 6.
“However, the staff shall remain present. The decision has been taken in connection with providing accommodation to the stranded Amarnath Yatris in these schools buildings,” the order read.
Hundreds of pilgrims were stranded at Chanderkote and Ramban as they were stopped due to bad weather conditions at Nunwan in Pahalgam and Baltal in Sonamarg base camps. Keeping in view the large number of Yatris, the district administration decided to accommodate them in government buildings and schools.
Meanwhile, the students and parents of Ramban town expressed concern over the closure of schools. “We have always been ready to help the Yatris, but not at the cost of our kids’ careers. We would have accommodated them in our homes, had the administration asked. But in turn, they closed the schools. If the Yatra remains suspended, will the schools be closed for longer periods? The administration should have been prepared for the worst-case scenario,” the locals said.