Two weeks after the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Srinagar was reopened by the government as many as 1600 students majority of whom are non-locals, have returned to the campus starting their regular classes.The National Institute of Technology in Srinagar re-opened for classes on 15 th October, Union Ministry for Human Resource Development (MHRD) had announced. The classes were resumed for the students after remaining closed for consecutive 74 days.According to wire service—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), “Classes at National Institute of Technology were clogged on 3rd August, when additional forces were rushed to the state Jammu and Kashmir. The Centre abrogated special status of Jammu and Kashmir on 5th August and bifurcate the state in Union Territories. Scores of the students had moved to their native places after the tension erupted in the valley”.“It was very tough to stay away from the studies and Srinagar from very long. While as it was very hard to convince my parents to allow me to go back to valley as situation was not normal as it was before August 5,” Sahil, a third year B. Tech student, from Bihar said. “I thought, I would have celebrated Diwali at home but it looks different this time. I have already spent two months at home. I am happy that I am back,” he said. However, there are many students who have still skipped the classes despite re-opening of the varsity.“Many of my classmates did not turn up despite the situation being far better than expected. He was not allowed to by the parents. May be he will arrive after Depawali or may be later,” said Lokesh, another B. Tech student from Himachal Pradesh.The total number of students enrolled at NIT is 2000 and 80 per cent of students have joined back their classes. “We are expecting the rest in the days ahead. Some may have decided to stay back at home because of Diwali festival,” said Menakshi, a student from New Delhi. An official at the NIT told KNO that all the students were asked to join their classes through advertisements through advertisements in local and national dallies. (KNO)