The Indian government on Wednesday asked all its nationals currently residing in Iran to leave by ‘available’ means, as the security situation in the country deteriorated further in view of massive anti-government protests and a crackdown on the demonstrators. New Delhi has also strongly advised its nationals to avoid travelling to Iran.
The protests began late last month in Tehran after the Iranian currency rial plunged to record low. The protests have since spread to all 31 provinces, evolving from an agitation against economic woes to a demand for political change.
"In view of the evolving situation in Iran, Indian nationals who are currently in Iran (students, pilgrims, business persons and tourists) are advised to leave Iran by available means of transport, including commercial flights," the Indian embassy in Iran said in a fresh advisory.
"It is reiterated that all Indian citizens and PIOs (persons of Indian origin) should exercise due caution, avoid areas of protests or demonstrations, stay in contact with the Indian Embassy in Iran and monitor local media for any developments," it said.
Separately, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) advised Indians to avoid travelling to Iran. “In view of the ongoing developments in Iran, Indian nationals are once again strongly advised to avoid travel to the Islamic Republic of Iran until further notice," it said.
In a previous advisory issued on January 5, the MEA urged its nationals to avoid non-essential travel to Iran. It had also asked Indian citizens and PIOs (Persons of Indian Origin) residing in Iran to exercise due caution and avoid visiting areas of protests.
Also Read: Iran protests: Toll rises to 2,571
The overall situation in Iran in the last few days has deteriorated dramatically as the death toll from the nationwide protests has increased to over 2,500, according to US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA). It also said there were 12 children among those dead, but were not a part of the protests. As many as 18,100 people are in detention.
The protests in the country have also triggered wider tensions in West Asia after US President Donald Trump warned Tehran against a brutal crackdown on demonstrators, indicating US military strikes. In a message to the protesters, Trump said on Tuesday that "help is on the way".
Although the authorities in Tehran relaxed some restrictions and allowed international phone calls on Tuesday, a clampdown on the internet services remained in place, making it more difficult for the world outside Iran to gauge the extent of the crackdown.
Mass funeral for security personnel
Authorities in Tehran held a mass funeral for 100 plus security personnel on Wednesday. The ceremony, which began with prayers being read out for the dead outside Tehran University, was attended by thousands of people waving flags of the Islamic republic.
Rights groups said thousands of people are likely to have been killed in a crackdown by security forces on protesters. But the authorities blame "rioters" who they say killed members of the security forces, as well as innocent bystanders described as "martyrs".
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