40 Indian Students Stranded in Conflict-Hit Iran, Families Demand Urgent Evacuation
In a distressing development, nearly 40 individuals from Manglaur near Roorkee in Haridwar district are currently stranded in conflict-affected Iran. Their families have expressed deep concern over their safety and are urgently seeking their early return to India.
Community in Distress Over Stranded Relatives
Most of those stranded in Iran are students pursuing religious studies, primarily in the capital Tehran and a few other cities. Manglaur has a significant Shia population of over 5,000, with most residents concentrated in Pathanpura and Halka localities. Community members also reside in nearby villages including Jaunpur Jhanjhedi, Landhaura, Bhagwanpur Chandanpur, and Tanda.
With tensions continuing to escalate in parts of Iran, relatives in Manglaur said they are profoundly worried about the safety of their family members. The ongoing conflict has created an atmosphere of uncertainty and fear among the local community.
Political Intervention Sought
Manglaur MLA Qazi Nizamuddin has taken proactive steps by submitting a detailed list of stranded residents to the chief secretary. He is seeking immediate government intervention for their evacuation. "Iran's situation is grim and there is little hope of normalcy soon. Their immediate return is required," he emphasized.
Several families reported that they have not received any official communication regarding a possible evacuation process. "Neither the state government nor the district administration has contacted us to inform families about when our children will be brought back," said Maulana Syed Meraj Mehdi, a prominent local community leader.
Personal Stories of Anguish
Among those stranded are the children of 48-year-old widow Hassan Fatima. Her 24-year-old daughter, Mohaddisa, traveled to Iran in January last year to pursue a three-year religious degree at Al-Mustafa International University in Qom. Her 27-year-old son, Hujjat Abbas, has been living in Qom for the past five years with his wife and daughter, where he operates a small business.
Fatima revealed that she was recently able to speak to her son but has been unable to contact her daughter, who stays in a hostel. "I am worried about my children's safety. In such circumstances, we want them back home at the earliest," she expressed with visible distress.
Broader Community Impact
Community members explained that some families have been residing in Iran for years, while many students regularly travel there to study in seminaries. The current crisis has highlighted the vulnerability of Indian citizens abroad during international conflicts.
With uncertainty continuing to loom over the region, relatives in Manglaur said they are hoping for swift and decisive action from authorities to ensure the safe return of their loved ones. The situation underscores the need for robust evacuation protocols during international emergencies.
The families' appeals come amid broader regional tensions, though their immediate focus remains on the safety and repatriation of their community members from Iran.
