Fear has gripped parts of Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri district after a series of stray dog attacks prompted authorities to shut around 45 schools in the Kotranka subdivision as a precautionary measure.
At least seven people were bitten in two days, according to local officials, with the incidents raising particular concern over children who travel to and from school on foot.
The victims were reportedly adults, including a 68-year-old man. Medical authorities said all seven received treatment and anti-rabies medication, while no bone injuries were reported.
Schools closed to keep children out of harm’s way
The closures cover schools in several affected villages of Kotranka. Education authorities said the decision was taken to prevent students from coming into contact with dogs believed to be responsible
for the attacks.
Parents have also been advised to remain vigilant and take extra care of children until the situation is brought under control.
The move has disrupted schooling in the hilly and predominantly rural area, but officials have treated the closures as a necessary short-term safety measure rather than waiting for another attack to occur.
Police, veterinary teams tasked with capturing dogs
The administration has ordered police and veterinary authorities to act against the dogs involved in the attacks.
Teams have been asked to locate and safely capture the suspected animals for veterinary examination. Police have also been directed to coordinate with other local security and community personnel where necessary.
The reported involvement of the CRPF has added another layer to the response, reflecting the urgency with which authorities are treating the threat in the affected pockets.
Why the incident has caused wider concern
For residents of Kotranka, the immediate issue is not simply stray animals on the streets but the sudden pattern of attacks in populated areas.
Children walking alone, elderly residents, and people travelling between villages can be particularly vulnerable when aggressive dogs roam freely.
The latest episode also highlights a broader public-safety challenge faced by several parts of Jammu and Kashmir, where stray-dog populations and dog-bite incidents have repeatedly prompted calls for stronger vaccination, sterilisation and animal-control measures.
For now, the priority in Kotranka is clear: keep children away from danger, treat those who have been bitten, and locate the dogs involved before further attacks occur.
The school closures are expected to remain a precautionary step until authorities are satisfied that the immediate threat has been contained.
