Kashmir: Children With Disabilities Struggle to Study During the Pandemic

Mohammad Saeed Bhat, a resident of south Kashmir’s Dialgam area, had enrolled his daughter, Iflah Saeed, in one of the schools in Srinagar’s Solina area meant for children with disabilities. After passing her Class 8 examinations, 15-year-old Iflah was looking forward to continuing her education. However, a week later, the nationwide lockdown was imposed in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and her hopes were dashed.

Seven months have passed and Iflah has been sitting idle at home in Anantnag district. Unlike other students, who can study online, Iflah is hearing and speech impaired. She is the eldest among three siblings. Her 14-year-old brother Mehran Saeed, who is studying in Class 8, is also hearing and speech impaired. Only their 12-year-old sister is without any disability.

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