KATHUA: Shifted out of homes due to shelling by Pakistan that has killed eight persons, children from villages in the border areas are being kept engaged in several activities including GK classes and sports and movie sessions at shelter homes in Kathua to reduce their stress.
“Camp officers registered 2,573 children in 34 migrant relief camps and engaged them in many ways. A regular feature is classes on general knowledge, current affairs and social values organised by teachers of schools housing in relief camps,” Kathua District Magistrate Shahid Iqbal said.
Firing across the International Border in Kathua district of J and K led to migration of more than 10,000 inhabitants of 57 villages along the border.
The district administration has established 34 relief camps where 10,314 migrants have been provided accommodation and basic amenities.
Iqbal, who is behind this innovative programme for the children, said, “These camps have 2,500 children aged upto 16 years who have been facing the worst of fear psychosis.”
“All schools in Hiranagar and Marheen zones have been closed by the administration for the safety of students,” he added.
“GK classes followed by games including volleyball, kabaddi, kho-kho, cricket, etc organised by the District Youth Services Department have proved to be helpful in de-stressing the fear ridden children of border migrants,” an official said.
“Movies on children’s subjects are being screened in evening shows organised in the camps by the District Information Centre and Planning Department. A number of competitions have also been organised among children”, the official said.
“Another aspect of these events is that children belonging to different villages, who have never met before have established a comfort zone and emotional bonding among them. Yoga classes have also been started at few camps,” he added.
