Jammu and Kashmir People’s Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti on Thursday sought the Union government’s intervention for the safe return of Indian students, including those from Kashmir, stranded in Iran amid the prevailing volatile situation and rising regional tensions.
She made these comments a day after parents of several Kashmiri students studying in Iran expressed concern over the prevailing tense situation and appealed to the Centre to facilitate their children’s return home.
In a post on X, Mehbooba Mufti said, “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 among anguished parents desperately worried about their children’s safety. Urge @DrSJaishankar and @MEAIndia to intervene urgently and ensure their safe return.”
Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has already spoken with Jammu and Kashmir’s Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, assuring him that all necessary steps are being taken for the safety and security of J&K students and other people currently in Iran.
The Indian government successfully evacuated Indian students from Iran during the 12-day war between Israel and Iran in June last year.
The MEA has also carried out successful evacuation operations in Ukraine, when several hundred Indian citizens were caught in the crossfire between Russia and Ukraine.
While parents and the UT Administration have expressed strong confidence in the government, the concerns have largely stemmed from United States President Donald Trump’s threats of military action against Iran.
According to estimates, a little over 10,000 Indians, including students, are currently living in Iran. In a fresh advisory, the Indian embassy in Tehran has urged all Indians, including students, pilgrims, businesspersons, and tourists, to leave Iran by any available means of transport, including commercial flights.
Also Read: Omar speaks to EAM over J&K students’ safety in Iran
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