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 classes in GK and sports and movie sessions at shelter homes in Kathua to reduce their stress.
"Camp officers registered 2,573 children in 35 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 relief camps," Kathua District Magistrate Shahid Iqbal said today.
Firing across the International Border in Kathua district of J&K led to migration of more than 10,000 inhabitants of 57 villages along the border.
The district administration has established 35 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 and 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.
"These classes of GK and others are followed by games like volleyball, kabaddi, kho-kho, cricket and other sports organised by the District Youth Services Department," an official said.
Children movies are played in evening shows organised in the camps by District Information Center 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, establishing a comfort zone and emotional bond. Yoga classes have also been added at some camps," he added.
The International Border has witnessed heavy firing this month that has left eight persons dead and 90 people injured, including 13 security men.
Besides over 32,000 people have fled from their border homes leaving 113 hamlets deserted along the IB.
