Burglary at Govt Boys Higher Secondary School Arreh, Kulgam — 16 Batteries Stolen, CCTV Cameras Damaged Kulgam, November 5: In a shocking incident, burglars struck during the night at Government Boys Higher Secondary School, Arreh in south Kashmir’s Kulgam district, stealing vital equipment and damaging the school’s security infrastructure. According to reports, the unidentified burglars broke into the school premises late at night and decamped with 16 batteries that were part of the institution’s backup power system. The thieves also vandalized the CCTV camera network, rendering it non-functional and making it difficult to retrieve footage that could have helped identify the culprits. The incident came to light early in the morning when school staff arrived and discovered the burglary. Panic and concern spread among the teachers, students, and local residents, who gathered at the site to assess the extent of the damage. Local residents expressed anger over the repeated incidents of theft in the area, urging the authorities to strengthen night patrolling and ensure better security arrangements in educational institutions. A senior police official confirmed that a case has been registered, and an investigation is underway to identify and apprehend the culprits. Police teams have visited the spot, collected evidence, and initiated efforts to trace those involved in the crime. Meanwhile, the local community and education department officials have appealed for the immediate restoration of the damaged CCTV system and urged authorities to deploy proper security arrangements to prevent such incidents in the future. This incident has once again highlighted the growing need for improved surveillance and security in schools across the district, particularly in rural areas vulnerable to such criminal acts.