Srinagar, March 15 (NationPress) The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) announced on Sunday that a group of 70 Indian students evacuated from Iran through Armenia has successfully arrived in Delhi.

Nasir Khuehami, the national convenor of JKSA, stated: "The first group of over 70 Indian students—predominantly from Jammu and Kashmir—and several pilgrims who were stranded in Iran due to the ongoing conflict in the region, landed safely at Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi, this morning via a commercial flight, marking the beginning of the evacuation process."

"These students returned to India after navigating a complex journey involving transit through Armenia and Dubai, facilitated through arrangements made with relevant authorities," Khuehami added.

The students were transported from various cities in Iran via buses to Armenia, where they caught a Flydubai flight from Zvartnots International Airport in Yerevan to Dubai. Subsequently, they boarded another Flydubai flight that touched down at Indira Gandhi International Airport at approximately 9:45 a.m. on Sunday.

Most of the returning students had been enrolled in several universities in Iran, including Urmia University of Medical Sciences and Tehran University of Medical Sciences. Many had previously been relocated to safer areas by the Indian Embassy in Tehran due to the escalating security crisis.

"This evacuation was made possible through coordinated efforts between the Ministry of External Affairs, Indian missions in Tehran and Yerevan, and other relevant authorities, after the situation was discussed with senior officials. The students returned on commercial flights as part of an initial evacuation plan organized through diplomatic collaboration," the statement elaborated.

The Association expressed appreciation to the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Embassy in Tehran for their role in ensuring the safe return of the students during this challenging period. This action has provided significant relief to students and families in Kashmir who were anxious about their children's safety in the conflict-affected area.

"There is an urgent need for the government to initiate a comprehensive evacuation operation, akin to the large-scale efforts during the Ukraine crisis and last year’s 12-day conflict in Iran, to guarantee the safe and prompt return of all Indian students still stranded across the nation. The Jammu and Kashmir government arranged AC sleeper buses for the students' onward travel upon their arrival in Delhi. The Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir ensured all necessary arrangements for their smooth return home," he noted.

"The sleeper buses were organized to ensure safe and comfortable transportation for the students and pilgrims back to Jammu and Kashmir. These sleeper coaches were stationed in the parking area to the left of the exit gate at Terminal 3 of Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi, to assist the returning students," Khuehami stated.

"These arrangements were designed to ensure a seamless transition for the returnees after their arduous journey from Iran via Armenia and Dubai," he further explained.

Numerous students were visibly fatigued after enduring prolonged travel over the preceding days, having faced extensive road and air journeys before finally reaching India.

"Some students chose to utilize the arranged buses for their onward journey to Jammu and Kashmir, while others opted for direct flights to Srinagar due to exhaustion from the lengthy travel," Khuehami concluded.