 Jehangir Rashid
Early Times Report
SRINAGAR, Nov 14: With more than 95 percent students appearing in 10+2 examination today the writing seems to be on wall for the separatist leadership of Kashmir who have been pursuing the protest calendar for the past more than four months and opposed the holding of examinations.
Reports reaching here said that the examination for today passed off peacefully with few stray incidents of stone pelting on examination centres taking place. At most of the examination centres, the students were pleased and happy to note that they have been able to appear in the examination despite many hiccups in the recent past.
The separatist leadership comprising of Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Mohammad Yasin Malik had taken a dig at the education department for announcing schedule of examinations for classes 10th and 10+2. These leaders had said that since educational institutions are closed since July there is no logic in holding examinations.
The separatist leaders had hoped that students of these two classes would not appear in the examinations, but their hopes were dashed since 98 percent of students have obtained admit cards in order to appear in the examinations. While the 10+2 examination got underway today, the examination for 10th class would begin on November 15 (Tuesday).
"My son is appearing in the 10+2 examination and his centre in Humhama. It was pleasing to note that all the necessary arrangements were in place for the smooth conduct of examination. The students were more than enthusiastic and most of them could be seen elated over the fact that they at last have been able to appear in the examination," said Tanveer Ahmad, a parent.
Ever since Jammu & Kashmir State Board of School Education (JK BOSE) announced the schedule for 10th and 10+2 examinations people were keeping their fingers crossed about the participation of students in these examinations. Due to the unrest in Kashmir it was apprehended that not many students would appear in these examinations but these fears have been allayed at least on the first day of examination.
"The successful conduct of examinations would go a long way in inculcating confidence among the people that the situation has returned to normal to a large extent in Kashmir. For today the government has won and the people who were opposing the examinations have been defeated. Hopefully, the examinations would conclude in an able and honest manner without any incident whatsoever," said Abdul Rahim, a resident.
An official spokesman said that thousands of students appeared for 10+2 examinations which began in Kashmir valley today. About 484 centres have been set up for about 32,000 students appearing in 10+2 examination across Kashmir division.
"According to the authorities in Jammu and Kashmir State Board of School Education (JKBOSE), almost 95 percent students appeared in the examination today. They said out of 31,964 students enrolled for appearing in the said examination 30,213 students appeared in today's paper," said the spokesman.
Giving details, the spokesman while quoting BOSE authorities said that in Srinagar out of 5,741 students 5,417 (96 percent) appeared in the examination today. Similarly, in Ganderbal out of 1,259 students 1,175 (94 percent) appeared, in Budgam out of 3,484 students 3,309 (98 percent) appeared, in Anantnag out of 4,929 students 4,740 (98 percent) appeared, in Kulgam out of 1,483 students 1,379 (93 percent) appeared, in Pulwama out of 2,646 students 2,506 (95 percent) appeared, in Shopian out of 1,674 students 1,568 (94 percent) appeared, in Bandipora out of 1,404 students 1,303 (94 percent) appeared, in Baramulla out of 4,912 students 4,603 (94 percent) appeared and in Kupwara out of 4,322 students 4,024 (96 percent) appeared. |
