Srinagar, March 5 (NationPress) - The J&K Students Association (JKSA) has formally requested that External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar take immediate action to assist in the evacuation of Indian students currently trapped in the conflict-ridden region of Iran via Armenia.

"On Thursday, JKSA urged External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar to promptly intervene and facilitate the safe evacuation of Indian students stranded in Urmia, located in northwestern Iran. This comes in light of ongoing airstrikes and explosions, which have escalated hostilities in the region. The association believes that evacuating these students through the Armenia border is crucial," stated JKSA national convenor Nasir Kheuhami.

"We have maintained ongoing communication with numerous Indian students, including those from Kashmir, enrolled at Urmia University. They have expressed grave concerns regarding the deteriorating security conditions, marked by frequent explosions and airstrikes near their living quarters. Reports of blasts occurring alarmingly close to their dormitories, with one recent incident occurring nearly 300 meters from the boys' hostel, have heightened their fears," he elaborated.

"The strength of the explosions has been severe enough to shake nearby buildings, resulting in heightened anxiety and distress among the students. Many have also reported the sound of fighter jets and air defense operations throughout the day and night, creating an environment of perpetual fear. The situation is increasingly precarious, particularly as some of the targeted locations include sensitive military sites and airbases, which raises the risk of further strikes," Kheuhami added.

"Given the rapidly worsening security climate, we have implored External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar to act swiftly and arrange for the evacuation of Indian students stranded in Urmia via the land route through Armenia. This route currently stands as the most viable option for ensuring their safe passage. Armenia's proximity to Urmia makes it a logical choice, having served as an effective corridor during last year's 12-day conflict between Iran and Israel. This route could potentially provide a shorter and safer exit for students, who can then board commercial flights back to India," he noted.

The association has also communicated to the Ministry of External Affairs that the stranded students are prepared to cover their own travel expenses if necessary.

"However, they urgently require diplomatic support from the Indian Government to facilitate the evacuation. The students primarily need formal authorization and assistance from the Indian Embassy in Tehran, including a permission letter or travel authorization that would enable them to safely cross into neighboring countries through Armenia. JKSA has urged the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Embassy in Tehran to collaborate with the relevant Iranian and Armenian authorities to ensure safe transit arrangements and to provide the essential documentation that would allow Indian students to temporarily enter Armenia before returning to India," he stated.

Kheuhami reiterated the association's appeal to the central government to urgently evaluate the ground situation and establish safe evacuation routes as soon as possible, before conditions deteriorate further.

"Timely intervention and structured evacuation planning are vital to safeguarding the students, many of whom are facing significant psychological distress. Swift and proactive measures will not only help secure the safety of these students but also provide immense reassurance to their worried families back home who are closely monitoring the unfolding situation," he concluded.