Srinagar, March 8, KNT: Parents of students studying in Iran met the Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, seeking urgent evacuation of their children amid escalating tensions and security concerns in the country.
During the meeting, the Divisional Commissioner assured the parents that authorities are actively working on the matter, though the process may take some time.
Several parents later gathered at Kashmir Press Colony and urged the Government of India to carry out a full-scale evacuation of students from Iran to ensure their safe return.
The parents said the evacuation process should be conducted entirely under the supervision of the Government of India, citing safety concerns and the deteriorating situation in several Iranian cities.
They pointed out that some countries, including Azerbaijan, have already evacuated their citizens from Iran amid the rising tensions.
Students currently studying in Shiraz said they recently heard continuous blasts near hospitals and a passport office in the city, forcing them to remain underground for safety.
Students from Tehran University of Medical Sciences also reported that the city of Qom has been placed under red-alert conditions after explosions were reportedly heard in the area.
Earlier, students in Urmia and Qom were asked to prepare a list of those willing to travel through Armenia as part of a possible evacuation route.
However, several students expressed reluctance to travel independently and instead requested that evacuation be arranged through the Embassy of India in Iran.
Meanwhile, Dr Mohammad Momin Khan, National Representative of the All India Medical Students Association (AIMSA), met Mohammad Fathali, Ambassador of Iran to India, and urged him to facilitate the safe return of Indian citizens currently studying in Iran.
AIMSA and the concerned parents have appealed to the Ministry of External Affairs to initiate the evacuation of Indian students at the earliest.
The parents said they trust the Government of India and expressed hope that necessary steps will be taken soon to ensure the safety and safe return of Indian citizens. [KNT]
