[Dawn] The IDPs have started returning home and there are signs of normalcy, but it will be some time before life becomes normal for students, according to a DawnNews report. The officials say militants have destroyed 238 schools out of 1,576 affecting more than 56,250 students. The Education Department of Swat has demanded a grant of Rs. 2,203 million from the provincial government, for the reconstruction of the demolished schools. The district government also claims that so far things are peaceful and no untoward incident has been reported since IDPS return started. With the Independence day approaching the people of Swat has started preparation for the independence day. National flags, buntings and badges with the independence day messages are available in abundance in the markets. The children and youth are returning to the play grounds while the traditional animal mela was held for the first time after the passage of two years.