Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Feb 24: As Russia started a full-fledged military offensive against Ukraine, there are nearly 300 students from J&K who are stuck in Ukraine even as the administration has started a process of ensuring the students are brought back home safely.
As per details, the students who are stuck in Ukraine are majorly from Kashmir and are studying in different universities and colleges across the war-torn country. Most of the students, it has come to the fore, are studying medicine and are currently in touch with the Indian embassy in Kyiv as the panic and uncertainty builds with every passing hour.
A student, who wished not to be named, from National Medical University originally hailing from Central Kashmir told Excelsior that there is panic and that they are in constant touch with each other along with the Indian Embassy for speedy evacuation.
“There is panic, but we are safe. However, the families back in Kashmir are worried and have been calling day in and day out, urging us to return, but the same does not appear to be easy right now; we are in contact with the embassy and they told us not worry,” he said.
He said that some of his friends who also study in Ukraine were scheduled to leave today; however, he said, the Kyiv airport has been closed down even as there are reports that Ukraine has also closed its airspace for now.
“We are left with no option but to wait for what the embassy decides; they have taken the details, let’s see what follows next,” he said.
He said that people are currently stocking food and other essentials as the situation escalates and that the locals whom they know are advising them to leave as soon as possible. “You know how these situations are; if there isn’t any imminent danger, but you think over it and want to go home and feel safe,” he said.
While there are students from J&K who are in constant touch with their families, there are several others who have not been able to reach out to their families and have lost contact.
Also, as per students, the Indian embassy in Kyiv has directed the Indian students to reach the safer areas before they are evacuated.
Meanwhile, the officials back home have stated that efforts are underway to bring the students back safely even as the officials from J&K are directly in touch with the Ukraine Embassy in New Delhi, carrying out measures aimed at bringing the students back home.
Notably, given the escalation between Russia and Ukraine, Kashmiri students in Ukraine have been asked to get in touch ASAP at JandKStudentsassociation1111@gmail.com, and if need be, contact on 9149676014, 790634 8764 8825005327 and 7006228608.
The Father of one of the students from Hyderpora in Srinagar said that there are over 20,000 Indian students in Ukraine and that authorities should ramp up the measures to ensure that the students who are stuck there and are facing difficulties are brought safely back home.
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