Extra classes for students in J-K

Srinagar, Sept 7 : The Jammu and Kashmir Government is taking steps to make up for the academic days lost during the shutdown over the Amarnath land row.

The row over the land allocated for setting up temporary facilities for pilgrims visiting Amarnath cave shrine in Kashmir and later its withdrawal had snowballed into large-scale protests for about two months.

Most of the schools and colleges were closed during the agitation and students are finding it hard to cope up with their studies with hardly six months left for the final exams.

All the schools and colleges are organising classes beyond normal hours and even on holidays in a bid to finish the portions.

College authorities have put out circulars announcing the commencement of special classes.

"Second and final year students have faced more losses as their classes began late but the authorities are conscious of this loss and that's why we have issued circulars. Circulars have given wide publicity and students came to know that special classes are being organised," said Zeenat Ara, the Principal of Women's College in Srinagar on Sunday.

Class timings, which were earlier from 9 am to 1 pm, have now been extended till 6 pm.

"We have read in newspapers that extra classes will be organised but if such shutdowns are organised again forget about special classes we would not be able to appear for our exams," said Sanam Ali, a student.

Hundreds of people were injured in clashes over the protests. The state suffered more than one billion dollars in business losses.

ANI