Srinagar, June 13 (UNI) In the wake of tensions in Middle East following Israeli attacks on Iran’s nuclear and military sites, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday urged the Ministry of External Affairs to ensure the safety of Kashmiri students in Iran.
In a post on X, Abdullah, said that the families of Kashmiri students are deeply worried.
“Requesting @MEAIndia to urgently ensure the safety and well-being of Kashmiri students currently stuck in Iran. Their families are deeply worried, and we stand with them in this difficult time,” Omar said.
He urged the External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar that “every step must be taken to safeguard our students.”
Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir Students Association has written to the EAM Jaishankar, seeking urgent intervention for the evacuation of hundreds of Kashmiri students stranded in Iran amid the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel.
In a detailed letter, the Association expressed grave concern over the rapidly deteriorating security situation following Israeli airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and the subsequent retaliatory missile and drone attacks by Iran.
It stated that the region now stands on the brink of a full-scale war, leaving students from Jammu and Kashmir terrified and vulnerable.
“The volatile environment has left thousands of Indian students, the majority from the Kashmir Valley, exposed to immediate and serious danger. These students had traveled to Iran to pursue professional education, particularly MBBS degrees, attracted by the country's affordable academic infrastructure. Now, they find themselves caught in the midst of a conflict zone, fearing for their lives,” a statement by the JKSA said.
National Convenor of the Association, Nasir Khuehami, said that several students are enrolled in universities located near military installations and strategic sites, placing them at heightened risk.
“Despite repeated attempts to reach out to the Indian Embassy in Tehran, students have received little clarity or reassurance. Families back home, especially in Kashmir, are extremely distressed and have been making desperate appeals for their children’s safety, he said.
“Many students have told us, ‘We are very scared. Our parents back home are extremely worried.’ We are receiving a growing number of distress calls from families who are in tears, pleading for their children to be brought back safely. Every passing minute without information is unbearable for them,” Khuehami said.
He urged the External Affairs Minister to take swift and proactive action.
The Association called for the immediate establishment of direct communication channels between the Indian Embassy in Tehran and the students, along with the regular dissemination of verified safety advisories and emergency protocols.
The Association also stressed the need for a comprehensive evacuation plan to be prepared and kept ready.
“If the situation continues to escalate or critical infrastructure is targeted, timely evacuation could mean the difference between life and death. The government must remain prepared to act swiftly and decisively to ensure the safe return of Indian citizens,” he said.
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