In what can be huge relief for the worried parents, nearly 100 Indian students stranded in conflict-affected Iran are expected to return to India on March 14 and 15 through commercial flights after travelling via Armenia, according to the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association.
The Association said most of the students, many of whom belong to Kashmir, will first travel by road to Zvartnots International Airport in the Armenian capital Yerevan before boarding commercial flights back to India.According to JKSA National Convenor Nasir Khuehami, the first group of students is scheduled to return on March 14, while the remaining are expected to arrive on March 15. Most students are travelling from northwestern Iran, particularly from the city of Urmia.
The students have booked commercial flights operated by Flydubai, which will connect through Dubai before landing at Indira Gandhi International Airport. Officials said the first group is expected to travel on Flydubai flight FZ8124.The Association had earlier appealed to External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and the Ministry of External Affairs to facilitate safe transit for the students through the Armenia land route, which is currently considered the most practical and accessible exit corridor from northwestern Iran.
JKSA said the ministry acknowledged the request and assisted in enabling the necessary travel permissions. However, officials have indicated that there is currently no full-scale evacuation plan specifically for Indian students in Iran, and those returning are relying on commercial travel arrangements.
Government of Jammu and Kashmir is expected to arrange deluxe buses at the New Delhi airport to transport returning students from Kashmir to their hometowns ,the Association said adding that it will continue coordinating with authorities to ensure the safe return of all remaining students from the region.
Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly memebr, Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi, has written to External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar urging the Government of India to urgently evacuate Indian students and pilgrims currently stranded in Iran.
In his letter, the legislator from Budgam highlighted the difficulties faced by Indian students pursuing higher education in Iran, particularly those studying medical and professional courses. He said many of them are caught in the middle of the ongoing conflict and rising regional tensions.
Mehdi noted that the situation has created an atmosphere of anxiety and insecurity for Indian nationals in the region. He also pointed out that several students and pilgrims are unable to arrange travel due to disruptions in banking and financial services.
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