Students risk lives daily to reach school in Shopian village

Every day, dozens of students brave a gurgling stream to reach their school in Nakka Khathawhlan in south Kashmir’s Shopian district.

In the absence of a proper bridge, two wooden logs have been precariously laid across the stream to serve as a makeshift crossing for the students. The unsafe arrangement poses a daily risk to the students, most of whom belong to the marginalized Gujjar community.

According to residents, at least 80 students are enrolled in this primary school and most of them belong to the marginalized Gujjar community.

Zaffar Hussain Kattari, a resident said that the school building was constructed at least a decade ago, yet no bridge has been built to date. “What’s worse, the washrooms are located across the stream, forcing children to cross multiple times a day.” the resident said.  Khattan said that  the school is also without a boundary wall, making students vulnerable to attacks by the wild animals.  He said that they had brought the issue to the notice of authorities’ umpteen times but to no avail.  Local residents are urging the administration to prioritise the safety and well-being of the children by constructing a proper footbridge, building a compound wall, and improving basic facilities.  With monsoon approaching, they fear the stream will swell, making the situation even more perilous.