Amid the increasing tension between Iran and Israel, the Government of India has taken a commendable step and started ‘Operation Sindhu’ to evacuate the Indian citizens trapped there. Under this operation, 110 Indian students were brought to safe India from North Iran on Wednesday. As soon as they landed at Delhi Airport, these students thanked the Government of India and the Ministry of External Affairs, but also expressed displeasure over the Government of Jammu and Kashmir.
Safe return from Iran to Delhi
The Ministry of External Affairs informed that the Indian Embassy in Tehran kept constant contact with Indian students living in northern Iran and started the process of evacuating them in time. Local administration, Indian embassy and airlines played an important role in this entire process. On Wednesday, students were brought to Delhi by a special aircraft under Operation Sindhu. The students told the media that “The Government of India supported us at every step. Food, stay, security – every need was taken care of. We are very grateful.”
‘Tired’ bus journey from Delhi to Kashmir
After reaching Delhi, the biggest concern of the students was the journey to Kashmir. The Jammu and Kashmir government had already assured that it will make arrangements from Delhi to Kashmir itself. But according to the students, they were surprised when they saw buses. Students said: “The government had promised, but…” A Kashmiri student told the media: “We showed courage to reach India by traveling 20 hours. But now we are expected to travel a 20 -hour bus, that too in such an old and uncomfortable buses? It is injustice to us.” The students said that they are already struggling with fatigue and mental stress. They should have been given the facility of at least comfortable and safe travel.
Old and uncomfortable buses became the root of trouble
Students questioned the condition of buses sent by the Jammu and Kashmir administration. Some said that there is neither enough space in buses nor a long journey chairs.
“It seems as if our condition is not understood at all,”
A student said. “We are still in shock what was happening around us in Iran. There was some relief by reaching India, but now this bus journey is ruining everything.”
Foreign Ministry’s role appreciated
However, the students repeatedly reiterated that the Government of India and the Ministry of External Affairs left no stone unturned during their withdrawal. The embassy was in constant contact, safety of students was ensured and they did not cause any inconvenience. According to sources in the Ministry of External Affairs, “The life of every Indian citizen is precious for us. We are constantly monitoring the situation and the evacuation campaign will continue even if needed.”
‘Jammu and Kashmir administration arrangements disappointing’-sources
A source in the Ministry of External Affairs said on the condition of anonymity, “After the withdrawal campaign, states are instructed to take the citizens safely to their homes. The same responsibility was given to the Jammu and Kashmir government. But the arrangements made are not in line with the hopes and seriousness of the situation.”
India’s diplomacy amid increasing threat in the middle East
The impact of the ongoing tension between Iran and Israel is visible worldwide. India is also not untouched by this, as a large number of Indian citizens live in the Middle East. ‘Operation Sindhu’ is an example that India is implementing the “Citizen First” policy. Foreign Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar tweeted and said: “The safety of Indian citizens is our top priority. Bringing students from Iran is an example of our diplomacy and human commitment.”
Public demand: Action should be taken on responsibilities
The Jammu and Kashmir administration is being criticized after the videos and statements of students went viral on social media. People are raising questions that while the Ministry of External Affairs performed its duty well, why did the state government miss?
