The most recent clashes between the police and the protestors in Saptari in which three protestors died and over a dozen people sustained injuries has only served to keep the fear among students and their guardians alive.Had the clashes occurred during the day, over 2,000 students of the three schools located within around 200 meters of each other would have witnessed the clash and most probably even gotten injured.
"The schools are located at the market areas close to the highway, the places where clashes are more likely to occur," said Saptari-based educationist Vidya Nanda Jha.
The schools had resumed in October end with the initiation of the private schools. But with very few students attending classes, the resumption had been a mere formality.
However, the schools are again shut for an indefinite period in Saptari after the clash latest clash.
Schools have said they would gradually build the environment for resumption only after the curfew is released, said Jha.
In September, four protesters died in Mahottari in multiple clashes with the police.
Likewise, one Armed Police Force personnel was killed when a group of UDMF protestors attacked the ambulance in which he was being taken to the hospital.
The picture of the clashes is still fresh in the memory of students and guardians, resulting in the low attendance at schools.
The schools engage students for a couple of hours and send them back home as many of the students are unable to concentrate on their studies, school authorities say.
Director of the Department of Education, Khagendra Nepal, said that the situation of Tarai is not hidden to anyone and that full-fledged continuation of classes was not possible unless the situation stabilizes.
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