KHAR/PARACHINAR/LANDI KOTAL: Educational institutions in different tribal areas were closed indefinitely on Monday on security grounds.

The relevant officials said the political administration of Bajaur, Kurram and Khyber agencies through separate notifications informed the heads of schools and colleges in their respective areas to close their educational institutions immediately for indefinite period.

They said the development came as a precautionary measure in the wake of the launch of military operation against militants in North Waziristan Agency.

The officials said educational institutions in North Waziristan and South Waziristan as well as Mohmand agencies had already been closed for security reasons.

An official of Bajaur Agency’s administration feared militants would target educational institutions.

“The decision has been made in light of intelligence reports that militant groups will try to attacks schools in the region,” he said.

The official said local schools and colleges, both public and private, would remain closed for indefinite period. He said security of the area had been put on high alert over fears of violence following the launch of military operation against militants in North Waziristan Agency.

He said militants could target bazaars, bus stations and other public places, so their security had been beefed up.

“Elaborate arrangements have been made to protect the life and property of tribesmen as well as public places against possible militant attacks,” he said.

When contacted, agency education officer of Khyber Agency Attiqur Rehman said the administration had requested the local education authorities to announce summer vacations in the region ahead of schedule (June 30) due to the current heat wave. “The announcement for summer vacations was made after the authorities accepted the request,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Kurram Agency administration issued a notification to all education institutions in the region to ensure that all local schools and colleges, both public and private, close for summer vacations.

However, the notification didn’t mention the reason of vacations ahead of schedule.

Published in Dawn, June 17th, 2014