Urgent Call for Government Action as J&K Students Remain Stranded in Azerbaijan
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Srinagar, March 22 (NationPress) The parents of more than 200 Jammu and Kashmir students currently stuck at the Azerbaijan border have urgently called for intervention from the Central government to ensure the safe return of their children.
Concerned families are seeking assistance as their children encounter significant financial and health challenges.
According to the parents, these students are enrolled in institutions in the Isfahan and Golestan provinces of Iran. They reported that the students have successfully crossed the Iran-Armenia border, marking a crucial step towards returning to their homeland.
Parents have expressed their frustration, stating that the students are left to manage their own travel arrangements, adding a considerable financial strain on already troubled families.
“We are covering all expenses ourselves. The government should at least assist in facilitating their return during this critical time,” said one distressed parent, voicing concerns over the lack of adequate logistical support.
Multiple groups of students were anticipated to return to India from March 20 to March 25, including those from Shiraz University.
Additionally, Indian engineering students from Kerman have reached the Iran-Armenia border and are waiting for visa approvals. However, the situation remains dire at the Azerbaijan border, where over 100 Indian students are reportedly trapped due to procedural delays.
Parents noted that only 6 to 10 students are being granted exit codes each day, which has significantly hampered the evacuation efforts.
Many students have been stranded at the border since March 12, missing their flights and suffering considerable financial setbacks.
Parents estimate that approximately 250 Kashmiri students are still at the Azerbaijan border, with several experiencing chest infections and flu-like symptoms, while access to adequate medical assistance is severely limited.
In the last 24 hours, a total of 151 Indian students successfully crossed the Iran-Azerbaijan border. Some students with tickets for March 14, 18, 19, and 20 were permitted to cross, but those with bookings for March 15, 16, and 17 remain stranded, according to the parents.
Despite some advancements, the overall situation is still critical. Hundreds of students continue to be stuck at various border points, facing financial difficulties, health risks, and uncertainty, as their families persistently appeal for swift and comprehensive government action to secure their safe return.
When the current conflict erupted on February 28, over 1,200 Kashmiri students were studying in Iran.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MEA) is in ongoing communication with Iranian authorities to ensure that all Indian students can safely return home.