What Actions Are Being Taken for the Evacuation of Stranded Kashmiri Students Amid the Iran-Israel Conflict?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Indian Government is working on evacuating students from high-risk zones.
- JKSA has made an urgent appeal for intervention.
- Students are facing life-threatening dangers due to military actions.
- Iran has opened land borders for safe passage despite closed airspace.
- Ongoing support from the Indian Embassy for affected nationals.
New Delhi, June 16 (NationPress) Amid escalating tensions between Iran and Israel, the Indian Government has commenced efforts to relocate Indian students, including those from Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), from dangerous areas in Iran.
In response, the Jammu and Kashmir Students' Association (JKSA) has urgently called upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take immediate action for the evacuation of numerous Kashmiri students trapped in Iran.
In a letter sent to Prime Minister Modi on Monday, the JKSA expressed “serious concern” regarding the worsening security conditions in Iran following Israeli airstrikes targeting Iranian nuclear facilities and critical defense and energy infrastructure, as well as retaliatory missile attacks from Iran.
This escalation has placed Indian students, particularly those from Kashmir, in perilous situations, filled with fear and exposed to life-threatening risks.
“These students traveled to Iran to pursue professional education, especially MBBS, due to its cost-effective infrastructure,” the letter stated. “Now, they find themselves in a conflict zone, traumatized and desperate for safety.”
The JKSA reported a recent drone strike near the Hujjatdost Dormitory of Tehran University of Medical Sciences, which resulted in injuries to two Kashmiri students. Both students are currently stable and have been relocated to Ramsar, a safer area, by university officials.
Students have recounted terrifying experiences involving airstrike sirens, tremors, and intensified military activities close to their campuses and residences.
The JKSA indicated that students attending various universities in Iran, particularly in Tehran, Qom, and other high-alert zones, are “constantly hearing sounds of strikes and air defense systems.” Many are enduring psychological trauma, while their families back in India remain worried and anxious.
It is noteworthy that Tehran responded favorably on Monday to India's request for assistance in evacuating Indian citizens, especially students stranded in Iranian cities.
Although Iran's airspace is currently closed due to ongoing military actions, the Iranian government has assured that all land borders remain open for safe passage.
As reported by media sources, Iran’s Foreign Minister granted approval to India's diplomatic mission and offered support for the safe evacuation of diplomats and civilians.
"Given the current situation and the closure of the country's airports, as well as requests from various political missions to transfer their diplomats and nationals abroad, we announce that all land borders are open for crossing," the statement read.
In a similar vein, the Indian Embassy in Iran stated on Saturday via X, "Considering the current situation in Iran, all Indian nationals and persons of Indian origin are advised to stay vigilant, limit unnecessary travel, follow the Embassy’s social media accounts, and adhere to safety protocols as recommended by local authorities."
The Indian Embassy has been issuing advisories for all Indian nationals and Persons of Indian Origin currently in Iran, sharing emergency contact numbers to ensure the safety of Indians residing there.