Amid the deteriorating situation in Tehran, a relief news for India has come out. On Monday, Iran has allowed the evacuation of Indian citizens from its land border routes at the request of the Government of India. This decision has opened the way for about 10,000 Indian students trapped in Iran to return home. These students include a large number of youth from Jammu and Kashmir, who are studying in various medical universities in Iran.
Aerial boundary closed, now withdrawn from land route
Iran has completely shut down its aircraft due to the ongoing tension between Tehran and Tel Aviv. Due to this, it was not possible for the Government of India to remove students by air. But now Iran has made it clear that Indian students can go out through Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan and Afghanistan. The Government of India is considering this option and a plan is being made to launch a safe withdrawal campaign soon through these boundaries.
Vigilant monitoring of Indian Embassy
The Indian Embassy in Tehran is constantly monitoring the situation. The embassy issued a statement saying that contact with the students living in Iran has been established and all necessary steps are being taken to ensure their safety. The embassy further said, “In some cases students have been transferred to safe places inside Tehran. Other possible options are also being considered. As soon as any new information will be available, everyone will be informed.”
Student in an atmosphere of fear
There was an attack on Sunday night near the International Student Hostel of Tehran University of Medical Sciences, injuring two Kashmiri students. However, it is a matter of relief that the situation of both the students is stable and they have been shifted to Ramesar by the university administration. Students trapped in Iran have appealed to the Government of India to arrange for safe return before the situation deteriorated. 22-year-old MBBS student Imtisal Mohidin, a resident of Handwara, Jammu and Kashmir, studying at Shahid Beheshti University Tehran, described his fear and insecurity in a phone conversation with news agency ANI. He said, “We all run into the basement after hearing the loud blast at 2:30 am on Friday. Since then we have not been able to sleep. Every night the sound of the blasts is heard. A blast is heard every night. A blast is just 5 kilometers from our apartment. We have been in this atmosphere of fear without sleep for three days.”
Increasing concern in Jammu and Kashmir
In view of the situation in Iran, the Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) has urged External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to evacuate these students soon. JKPC President Tariq Hamid Kara posted on X (East Twitter) and wrote, “@drsjaishankar is requested to rapidly remove the students of Jammu and Kashmir studying in Iran. Priority should be given to their safety and their safe return should be ensured.” At the same time, People’s Democratic Party (PDP) leader Iltija Mufti has also appealed to contact the students. He posted on X, “Kashmiri students trapped in Iran, send calls or WhatsApp messages to Indian Embassy number +98 9128109115 and +98 9128109109. Tag @JKPDP or @Yuthjkpdp if not contact.”
Government of India is planning withdrawal
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs is seriously considering this entire situation. According to sources, the Government of India is exploring the possibility that students should be transported to neighboring countries through these land routes, from where they can be safely brought to India. The Indian embassy is constantly in touch with local administration, Iranian officials and BSF, so that every aspect of withdrawal can be done in a safe and well -organized manner.
Concern in students’ families
Amidst this entire development, the most concern atmosphere is in India, especially among the families of Jammu and Kashmir whose children are trapped in Iran. Parents are worried about the safety of their children every moment. Many families have also requested the government through the media that children should be returned as soon as possible. The father of a student said, “We have not been able to sleep for three days. Embassy website and news channels are looking at every hour. I am requested to get our children back safely.”
Number of Indians trapped in Iran
According to the information, more than 10,000 Indian citizens are currently stranded in Iran, most of whom are students. One of these is also a large number of medical and engineering students, who are studying in universities of Tehran, Isfahan, Mashhad and other big cities. Many of these students are from states like Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Delhi and Kerala. The Government of India will have to ensure that the students of all these fields are in touch and the withdrawal process is also effective for them.
Lesson for future
This incident also makes it clear how the crisis management and emergency plan is necessary for students studying abroad. Many students said in a conversation with ANI that they were not mentally prepared for this unexpected situation. Neither did he have enough emergency kits, nor any clear information about immediate withdrawal. It is time for government and universities to give such emergency training and awareness to students going abroad in future, so that they are able to deal with any crisis. The growing tension between Iran and Israel has run a wave of concern worldwide. It is a matter of relief for India that Iran has given the option of withdrawal from land borders, but challenges are still no less. Crossing the border, getting safe entry into neighboring countries and ensuring a return to India – all this is a complex process. The coordination between the Indian Embassy, the Ministry of External Affairs and the local administration is possible only to solve this crisis. It is expected that soon all Indian students will return safely and their families will end up. The activeness and readiness of the Government of India is proving its international responsibilities in this difficult time. In the coming days, the whole country will be eyeing the success of this mission.
