First batch of students arrives from Iran

Srinagar, Jan 17: Amidst concerns over unrest and communication blackout in Iran, the first group of students, pilgrims and others, touched down at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi early this morning.

The returning citizens, the number of whom is estimated to be around 150, arrived in two flights that left from Shiraz and Tehran. They described the ground reality as less alarming than international media reports suggest. Many attributed the perceived escalation of violence to widespread internet shutdowns.

"Internet shutdowns have hampered information flow, and we were unable to communicate with our families," the students have said. The group that returned comprised primarily university students and pilgrims who had been visiting religious sites in Qom and Mashhad.

"Life goes on in the cities, people are going about their daily routines. The real problem has been the internet shutdowns," video of a student shared widely on social media reported.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has stated that Indian nationals, mostly students, remain in Iran and are being monitored closely. "Our priority is the safety of our citizens abroad," an MEA spokesperson said in a briefing.

Parents of Indian students currently in Iran have urged the Ministry to expedite steps for safe return of their wards and all other Indian citizens in Iran.

The Iranian government has defended the internet restrictions as necessary to maintain public order. In the past month, there have been widespread protests in Iran as per media reports. The shutdowns have drawn international scrutiny for alleged human rights violations.