Operation Sindoor: Schools, flights, institutions shut across J&K, Punjab amid military strikes

In a significant military move, the Indian Armed Forces launched Operation Sindoor in the early hours of Wednesday, targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The strikes come in response to the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed multiple lives and triggered a strong nationwide outcry.

Following the joint military offensive, authorities across Jammu and Kashmir and parts of North India have implemented precautionary shutdowns, including the closure of key airports, schools, and other institutions.

Srinagar Airport shut for civilian flights

The Indian Air Force confirmed the closure of the Srinagar airfield to civilian operations. Director of Srinagar Airport, Javed Anjum, told a local Kashmir news agency, “The airfield is closed, and no civil flights will operate today.”

Schools and colleges closed across multiple districts

In Kashmir, schools and colleges in Baramulla, Kupwara, and Gurez districts have been shut as a safety measure. Kashmir Divisional Commissioner Vijay Kumar Bidhuri urged the public to remain calm and follow official advisories.

In Jammu region, educational institutions in the border districts of Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Rajouri, and Poonch will also remain closed, as confirmed by Divisional Commissioner Ramesh Kumar.

In neighboring Punjab, schools in the border districts of Ferozepur, Pathankot, and Amritsar are closed for the day amid heightened security concerns.

University exams postponed

Kashmir University has postponed all examinations scheduled for May 7. The administration stated that new dates for the postponed exams will be announced separately.

Flight disruptions across North India

The military operation has significantly affected civil aviation. Several domestic airlines, including SpiceJet and IndiGo, have issued travel advisories warning of potential delays or cancellations.

Air India has cancelled all flights to and from several key northern cities—Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Chandigarh, and Rajkot—until 12 noon on Wednesday. Two international flights scheduled via Amritsar have been rerouted to Delhi.

Public advisory issued

Authorities have urged residents in the affected areas to remain vigilant and adhere strictly to government advisories. The situation remains tense, and further updates are expected throughout the day as security and administrative measures continue.