New Delhi, January 12 (IANS). After the sudden internet shutdown in Iran, the worries of Indian medical students studying there and their families increased considerably. Due to not being able to contact their children, there is an atmosphere of tension and anxiety among the parents across the country, especially in Jammu and Kashmir.
On this entire incident, Dr. Mohammad Momin, Vice President of AIMSA (All India Medical Students Association) and FAIMA Doctors Association, gave detailed information about the situation.
Dr. Mohammad Momin, during a special conversation with IANS, said that due to the internet being shut down, many students tried to contact him through alternative methods.
He said that some students had gone near the Iraq border and from there he contacted them personally through text messages. In these messages the students clearly stated that they are completely safe.
Dr. Momin said that currently about 3,000 Indian students are studying in Iran. Of these, more than 2,000 students are pursuing medical courses like MBBS and BDS. The special thing is that more than 1,800 of these students are from Jammu and Kashmir.
He said that he is in direct contact with all these students and is constantly monitoring their situation.
According to Dr. Momin, an advisory has been issued by the Indian Embassy regarding the safety of students. In this, strict instructions have been given to the students to stay in the hostel, limit themselves to indoor activities and not go out without any need. The Embassy has also clarified that there is no need to panic at the moment and full attention is being paid to the safety of the students.
He also informed that in view of the current situation, classes and examinations have been suspended in Iran till January 24. This has definitely brought some relief to the students, but due to internet shutdown, both studies and contact with family are being affected.
Dr. Momin said that throughout the day he received phone calls and messages from students from cities like Tehran University, Shahid Beheshti University, Ahvaz and Isfahan. Some students said that they had gone near the Iraq border for security reasons and they made contact from there.
He also informed that a separate WhatsApp group has been created for parents, in which about 1,800 parents are connected. Through this group, he is continuously sharing the status of students, embassy advisories and latest updates with the parents, so that misinformation and rumors can be avoided.
Dr. Momin also informed that a letter has been written to the Prime Minister on behalf of AIMSA and FAIMA. In this letter, concern has been expressed about the safety and future of Indian medical students studying in Iran. If the situation worsens, Indian citizens and students should be shifted to safer places.
However, he clarified that at present no clear evacuation plan has been announced by the Embassy or the Foreign Ministry. The students have only been told that if the situation becomes serious, they will be evacuated, but no preparation or instructions have been given yet.
Dr. Momin assured that he is in constant touch with the students, parents and concerned institutions. As soon as there is any change in the situation, its information will be immediately shared with parents and media.
–IANS
VKU/ABM
