Over 500 Kashmiri students safe amid US strikes in Iran, relocated to safer places: JKSA
Srinagar, Jun 22: In the wake of heightened tensions and US airstrikes in Iran, the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) Sunday confirmed that over 700 Indian students including more than 500 from Jammu and Kashmir were safe and in the process of being evacuated to India.
A statement of JKSA issued here quoted its National Convenor, Nasir Khuehami as saying that coordinated efforts involving the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the Indian Embassy in Tehran, and local Iranian authorities had ensured that stranded students were being relocated to safer zones, primarily towards Mashhad and the Armenia border, from where they were being airlifted to New Delhi.
Two special evacuation flights from Mashhad were scheduled for today, and the Indian Embassy in Iran is working tirelessly to provide transport, food, and shelter to the students,î Khuehami said. ìEvery possible step is being taken to ensure the safety and timely return of the students.î
On Sunday, a Mahan Air flight (W50071A) carrying over 280 Indian students ñ more than 200 of them from Kashmir - landed safely at the Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi, at around 4:30 pm. Another flight, also operated by Mahan Air, is expected to bring an additional 230 Kashmiri students by late evening.
ìThis moment brings immense relief and emotional comfort to the parents and families back home, who have been living in fear since the escalation of hostilities,î Khuehami said. ìThese students have endured sleepless nights in a conflict-ridden environment. Their return to safety is a collective sigh of relief for all.î
JKSA extended heartfelt gratitude to the Government of India, MEA, and the Indian Embassy in Iran for what the association termed ìswift and effective coordinationî under highly stressful circumstances. The association also acknowledged the support of Iranian authorities in facilitating safe passage for the students.
Meanwhile, all 130 Indian students from Kerman University of Medical Sciences, including 110 from Kashmir, departed from Kerman on Friday evening in six buses arranged by the Indian Embassy.
They are currently enroute to Mashhad and are expected to be part of the next phase of evacuations.
ìAlmost all Kashmiri students who were stranded across various provinces of Iran have now been moved to safer locations. We are closely monitoring their condition and are in constant touch with the Indian Embassy, the MEA, and the J&K Chief Ministerís Office to ensure no student is left behind,î Khuehami said.
Reassuring the anxious families, JKSA said, ìWe want to assure everyone that the students are safe. Their evacuation is our topmost priority, and efforts are ongoing around the clock.î
The association urged families to remain calm and avoid panic, stating that more updates would follow as the evacuation continues in phases.
