Jammu and Kashmir government Thursday announced winter vacations for educational institutions of Kashmir division and the winter zone of Jammu division.According Education Minister, Naeem Akhtar, the winter vacations of the government and private recognized schools of Kashmir division and winter zone of Jammu division would begin from 7 December 2015 up to middle standard.He said the winter vacations for the High and Higher Secondary Schools would start from 21 December 2015, coinciding with the beginning of Chillai Kalan, the harshest phase of winters in Kashmir.The educational institutions would reopen on 1st March 2015. (KNS)