Amid turmoil in Iran, concerns have mounted over the safety of Indian students, including hundreds from Jammu and Kashmir, who remain stranded in the country.
J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday said he spoke to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who assured that all necessary steps are being taken to safeguard the lives and interests of students and other residents from J&K.
“Just spoke to EAM @DrSJaishankar ji about the evolving situation in Iran. He shared his assessment of the ground situation & the plans that the External Affairs Ministry is working on. I’m grateful for his assurance that all steps will be taken to safeguard the interests & lives of students & other people from J&K who are in Iran now,” Omar wrote on X.
Parents of Kashmiri students pursuing education in Iran have appealed to the Centre for the safe return of their children. Several parents also assembled in Srinagar’s city centre urging immediate government intervention.
Peoples Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti also urged the Centre to intervene urgently for the safe return of students, as anxiety gripped families back home.
“Thousands of students from across the country including Kashmir are stranded in Iran amid the present volatile situation. This has triggered deep fear and anxiety with anguished parents desperately worried about their children’s safety. Urge @DrSJaishankar and @MEAIndia to intervene urgently and ensure their safe return,” she said on X.
The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association said it has taken up the issue with both the MEA and the J&K Chief Minister’s Office, receiving assurances that the situation is under close watch and evacuation efforts are being worked out.
“We have received assurances from both offices that the situation is being closely monitored and that the Ministry of External Affairs is actively working on the matter. Efforts are underway to ensure the safety and secure return of Indian students,” JKSA said in a statement.
It added that students from several universities in Iran have informed them that the Indian Embassy has collected their personal details and passports, indicating preparatory steps for coordinated assistance.
“We hope these measures will lead to the safe return of students at the earliest and provide much-needed relief to anxious families across Jammu and Kashmir,” JKSA said.
