Srinagar, Jan 15 (KNS): Scores of parents in Kashmir appealed to the central government to facilitate the safe evacuation of their children studying in Iran as regional tensions escalate. The anxious parents gathered at the divisional commissioner’s office to urge immediate intervention.
According to Kashmir News Service (KNS), a group of parents visited the office of the Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, to submit a memorandum appealing for the students' repatriation.
"The situation in Iran is not good. We have no communication with our children as the internet is not working there. We are deeply fearful, and the embassy’s advisory has further heightened our concerns," said the mother of a student currently in Iran while speaking to KNS. "We appeal to the authorities to help bring our children back."
"We appeal to the Prime Minister, the External Affairs Minister, the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, and the Lieutenant Governor to evacuate the students from Iran," another parent told KNS.
The parent expressed hope that authorities would act swiftly to ensure the students' safety and arrange their return before the situation deteriorates further.
Parents also stated that the students had reportedly been instructed by the Indian Embassy in Tehran to make independent arrangements to leave the country.
"They are asking the students to contact their parents and arrange their travel on their own. We can only reach our children with great difficulty via ISD calls.
Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelWe urge both the Union Territory and central authorities to facilitate an organized evacuation," the parent added.
Another mother highlighted practical hurdles due to an internet shutdown in Iran. "We are struggling to arrange travel. Even if we book tickets, we cannot finalize them without internet access. It is nearly impossible for them. They must be evacuated as soon as possible," she said.
The Indian Embassy in Tehran issued an advisory on Wednesday, urging all Indian nationals, including students, pilgrims, and tourists, to leave Iran by available commercial means at the earliest.
The issue was also raised earlier in the day by Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who confirmed he had discussed the evolving situation with External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar.
CM Omar stated that the government is closely monitoring developments and that the Ministry of External Affairs is preparing a comprehensive plan. He expressed appreciation for the Ministry's proactive measures and assurances regarding the safety of Indian citizens from Jammu and Kashmir in Iran.
In response to the situation, the Jammu and Kashmir administration has designated a senior officer, Anil Sharma, JKAS, Additional Resident Commissioner of the J&K Government in New Delhi, as the nodal officer to coordinate the safety and welfare of residents and students from the Union Territory currently in Iran. (KNS)