How Did Five TN Students Return Safely from Punjab Amid India-Pak Tensions?

Chennai, May 10 (NationPress) In light of escalating tensions at the India-Pakistan border, five students from Tamil Nadu, who had been stranded in Punjab, made a safe return to Chennai on Saturday morning, facilitated by the rapid response of the Tamil Nadu government.

These students were part of a cohort of 12 pursuing higher studies at a private university in Jalandhar, Punjab.

With the escalation of cross-border conflicts, the atmosphere in Punjab became increasingly precarious, leaving the students feeling anxious about their safety.

In a swift action, the Tamil Nadu government worked alongside central agencies to ensure their safe evacuation. Authorities arranged for the students' transportation from Punjab to Delhi on Thursday night.

Out of the 12 students, five were flown from Delhi to Chennai early Saturday morning on an Air India flight. They were welcomed at Chennai airport by senior officials, including the Deputy Director of the Department of Welfare of Non-Resident Tamils.

The state government also organized special transport to aid the students in returning to their hometowns, covering areas such as Namakkal and Coimbatore.

The remaining seven students are expected to arrive in Chennai around noon on Saturday, traveling via an IndiGo flight. The Minister for the Welfare of Non-Resident Tamils, S M Nassar, along with senior officials, was present to greet them at the airport. These students come from districts including Kallakurichi, Namakkal, and Coimbatore.

During a press interaction at the airport, the returning students expressed their heartfelt appreciation for the timely assistance provided by the Tamil Nadu government.

"We were located just 60 kilometers from the Pakistan border. The atmosphere was extremely tense, and we felt a lot of pressure," said Ajay Vasanth from Namakkal.

"However, once the officials from the Tamil Nadu government reached us, our fears subsided. They took excellent care of us and ensured our safe return home," Vasanth added.

Naveen, a student from Coimbatore, shared, "We were uncertain about what to do or where to go. But the officials treated us with compassion, guiding us through every step and ensuring our well-being."

Another returning student, Remi from Coimbatore, recounted their experience: "We traveled from Punjab to Delhi by bus, uncertain of what the future held and without a place to stay. However, after we reached out to the Tamil Nadu government helpline, officials acted quickly, providing support and coordinating our safe return."

The Tamil Nadu government has committed to ongoing monitoring of the situation and has promised assistance to any other residents who may find themselves stranded in conflict zones.