Suhail Khan
Srinagar, Jan 15: Anxious parents in Kashmir appealed to the Central Government on Thursday for the urgent and safe evacuation of their children studying in Iran, as regional tensions continue to escalate.
A group of concerned parents gathered at the office of the Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, to submit a memorandum urging immediate intervention to repatriate the students. The appeal comes amid heightened uncertainty following an advisory from the Indian Embassy in Tehran advising all Indian nationals to leave Iran at the earliest.
“The situation in Iran is not good. We have no communication with our children because the internet has been shut down. We are deeply fearful, and the embassy’s advisory has increased our anxiety,” said the mother of a student currently in Iran, speaking to Kashmir Convener.
Another parent added, “We appeal to the Prime Minister, the External Affairs Minister, the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, and the Lieutenant Governor to evacuate the students from Iran.”
Parents expressed distress over reports that students had been asked by the Indian Embassy to make independent travel arrangements. “They are instructing students to contact their families and arrange their own travel. It is extremely difficult for us to coordinate this with poor connectivity. We urge both the Union Territory and Central authorities to organize a coordinated evacuation,” a parent stated.
A mother highlighted practical difficulties due to the internet blackout: “Even if we try to book tickets, we cannot confirm them without internet access. It is nearly impossible for the students to manage this alone.”
Earlier on Wednesday, the Indian Embassy in Tehran issued an advisory urging Indian nationals, including students, pilgrims, and tourists, to leave via available commercial means as soon as possible.
The issue was raised also by Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday, who confirmed he had discussed the matter with External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar. CM Omar stated that the government is closely monitoring the situation and that the Ministry of External Affairs is preparing a comprehensive evacuation plan. He also thanked the Ministry for its proactive steps and assurances regarding the safety of Indian citizens from Jammu and Kashmir in Iran.
In a significant development, Iran has reopened its airspace for civilian traffic after a temporary closure, paving the way for evacuation flights. The first flight carrying Indian nationals is scheduled to depart from Tehran to Delhi on Friday, bringing major relief to students and families.
According to the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association, all students have been registered and their documents collected by the Indian Embassy in Iran. The first batch of students, primarily from Golestan University along with some from SBUMS and TUMS, has been instructed to be ready by 8:00 AM for evacuation. The final passenger list is expected to be confirmed later tonight.
Student representatives said the resumption of flights has eased widespread anxiety among students and families in Jammu and Kashmir, where parents had been under severe stress due to the deteriorating security situation in Iran.
The evacuation is being coordinated by Indian authorities in close liaison with the Embassy, with additional flights expected in the coming days to ensure the safe return of all remaining students.
Comments are closed.