Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Seeks Safety for Students in Iran
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah held a crucial conversation with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Thursday. They focused on the volatile situation in Iran and the safety of hundreds of students and other individuals from J&K currently stranded there.
Assurances from the External Affairs Minister
Omar Abdullah expressed his gratitude for the minister's commitment. Jaishankar shared his assessment of the ground reality and outlined the plans the ministry is actively developing. The chief minister emphasized the assurance that all necessary steps will be implemented to protect the interests and lives of the affected people.
Omar Abdullah posted on social media platform X about the discussion. He highlighted the minister's promise to safeguard the students and others from J&K who are in Iran during this turbulent period.
Political Appeals for Urgent Intervention
PDP president and former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti also called for central government intervention. She noted that thousands of students from across India, including Kashmir, face a precarious situation in Iran. This has caused deep fear and anxiety among parents who are desperately worried about their children's safety.
Mehbooba Mufti urged S Jaishankar and the Ministry of External Affairs to act urgently. She stressed the need to ensure the safe return of all stranded individuals.
Student Association Highlights the Crisis
The J&K Students Association (JKSA) echoed these concerns. They have been coordinating with various central agencies for the welfare of Kashmiri students both within and outside the country. The association reiterated the distress among parents who fear for their children's safety due to the ongoing disturbances in Iran.
JKSA convenor Nasir Khuehami provided alarming details. Many parents have lost contact with their children for the past four days. Safety fears are intensifying amid restrictions on communication networks and social media. These restrictions result from the protests and clampdown by Iranian authorities.
Why Kashmiri Students Choose Iran for Education
According to Khuehami, most Kashmiri students in Iran pursue MBBS degrees. They are attracted by the affordable education system and the long-standing academic and people-to-people ties between India and Iran. The JKSA estimates the number of students in Iran at over 2000, with 95% enrolled in medical courses.
The association has made a similar appeal for Centre-organised evacuations from Iran. They continue to work closely with authorities to address the welfare of these students during this critical time.
