Srinagar, August 22: A week after classes resumed in primary schools in Jammu and Kashmir, the state administration allowed the middle schools to open in the Valley on Tuesday. However, the attendance of not only students, but the teachers, too, remained minimal in maximum schools. The restrictions for middle schools were relaxed for the first time after the abrogation of Article 370 on August 5.

The administration in the newly-formed Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir continued with the day-time relaxations across Kashmir on Wednesday. Restrictions were lifted from several areas of Kashmir, including from several parts of the Srinagar. According to reports, the restrictions continued in some regions, especially in the downtown areas of the city. Mary Kom Supports Abrogation of Article 370, Says ‘Jammu and Kashmir Athletes Will Get Good Facility From Centre’

Authorities even claim that barricades were removed from uptown and civil lines areas of Srinagar. Following this, middle schools were opened as the government received encouraging signs from attendance at primary schools. However, security forces continued to be deployed to maintain law and order.

Providing more information on government's decision to open middle schools, director information Sehrish Asgar said, as quoted Hindustan Times, "Middle schools were opened on Tuesday in the same areas where primary schools had resumed classes. The number of teachers attending the school has gone up from 60% to 80%. In some areas it has reached to 50%."

The official added that all primary schools in Jammu region are functioning normally. While Mohammad Yonis Malik -- Director school education (Kashmir) -- said, as many as 774 middle schools were opened on Tuesday. The officer stated that the attendance of students and teachers has improved over the last three days in Bandipore and Kupwara.

Earlier on August 5, the Narendra Modi government abrogated all the special provisions awarded to Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370. Along with this, it divided Jammu and Kashmir into two Union territories -- i) Jammu and Kashmir and ii) Ladakh.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 22, 2019 10:56 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).