Govt’s decision on Jamaat schools unjust: Hakeem

Srinagar, Aug 24:  People’s Democratic Front (PDF) president and former minister, Hakeem Mohammad Yaseen on Sunday strongly criticised the government’s recent decision to take over 215 schools previously managed by the Falah-e-Aam Trust (FAT), terming it as “injustice with children” and an “assault” on the educational future of thousands of Kashmiri students.Yaseen, in a statement issued here, said that while every citizen stands committed to safeguarding national security, such “arbitrary” decisions that directly jeopardise the future of children are totally unacceptable. “This is an injustice to the thousands of children enrolled in these schools. The government should immediately withdraw this order in the larger interest of the students,” he said.He pointed out that the move will impact the academic journey of over 50,000 children and create an atmosphere of uncertainty at a time when the focus should be on improving literacy rates and modernising education infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir.“People may not support anyone acting against national security, but no one can accept decisions that target innocent students. Whenever the future of our children is at stake, it is unacceptable,” Yaseen said, urging the administration to reconsider and roll back the directive without delay.The School Education Department had recently ordered that District Magistrates assume control of these schools, assigning principals from nearby government institutions to manage them temporarily until new committees are constituted after “verification.” This, Yaseen cautioned, will only disturb the established academic environment and demoralise students and parents alike.Calling the decision “short-sighted and counterproductive”, Yaseen said such steps risk repeating the mistakes of the past and eroding the educational foundations of the younger generation.He emphasised that rather than dismantling existing educational setups, the government should focus on strengthening regulatory frameworks, improving the quality of teaching, and ensuring transparency in school functioning. “At a time when our youth need guidance, modern skills, and hope for a brighter tomorrow, the government should be investing in building capacity and confidence, not demolishing institutions that have shaped thousands of lives,” Yaseen said.The PDF chief reiterated his demand that the government immediately revoke the order and instead engage stakeholders, including parents and civil society, to find constructive solutions that safeguard both national interests and the academic well-being of Kashmiri children.