9 Kashmiri students return home safely, families relieved
Suhail Bhat
SRINAGAR, June 19: As tensions escalate between Iran and Israel, the first batch of nine Kashmiri students evacuated from conflict-hit Iran arrived home safely today, bringing immense relief to their anxious families, who had been urging authorities to ensure their return.
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These students are among nearly 90 Kashmiri students-and over 100 Indian nationals-evacuated to Armenia by the Indian Government on Tuesday. From Armenia, they were flown to New Delhi by Wednesday night. While these nine students arranged their onward travel to Kashmir by booking flights or hiring private transport at their own expense, the remaining students, who opted for Government-arranged buses, are expected to reach the Valley by Friday.
Meanwhile, over 600 Indian students, mostly Kashmiri who are being moved to Turkmenistan as part of a broader evacuation plan, reached Mashad today. One of the groups was moved this morning to the Turkmenistan border but were brought back to Mashad this evening as there was no flight to carry them to New Delhi.
Hundreds of students are still in Qom and other places and they have not been evacuated yet. However, the Indian Embassy is in touch with these students and efforts are being made to evacuate them.
Saba Rasool, a fourth-year MBBS student at the University of Medical Sciences in Urmia, was among the returnees. She recounted the fear and uncertainty during the crisis. “Although Urmia was relatively safer than Tehran, it was still terrifying. Tehran is where we built memories, and seeing it descend into chaos was heartbreaking,” she said.
She described a chaotic evacuation process, saying that parents formed WhatsApp groups to pressure the Government for immediate action. Initially, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) only suggested “relocation,” not a full evacuation, leading to confusion among students. But as the situation worsened, the Indian Embassy finally advised a complete evacuation.
Students were taken to Armenia and then flown to Delhi, where they were welcomed by a Government Minister, provided food and water, and processed quickly through immigration. However, Saba said the onward journey to Kashmir was poorly managed. “After everything we went through, we were told to board dilapidated JKRTC buses with torn seats for a 16-hour journey. Many of us, including me, opted to fly or hire cabs instead,” she said.
Responding to a question why Kashmiri students choose Iran for higher education, she said, “Iran offers quality medical training with hands-on experience and real patient interaction at cheaper prices. The exposure is unmatched.”
Saba’s father, Ghulam Rasool, expressed relief and gratitude. “We were so worried watching the news. I am just glad she is home safe. I pray for all the students still stranded.”
Public outrage over the travel arrangements was amplified by the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association, which posted a video on X showing the poor condition of the buses. “After enduring a harrowing 4-day journey from Iran via Armenia & Doha, Kashmiri students have finally reached Delhi, only to be dumped in SRTC buses, unlike students from other states who were received with proper airport facilitation, care, and connecting flights home.”
“Exhausted, distressed, and neglected. Is this the reward for their resilience? What’s stopping the J&K Government from stepping up? Logistics? Willpower? Or just apathy? If it’s about funds, say it loud, we’ll launch a fundraiser for the J&K Govt. We’ve done more with less before,” it added.
The backlash prompted a quick response from the office of Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. “The Chief Minister has taken note of the request of the students evacuated from Iran regarding the quality of buses arranged to transport them from Delhi to J&K. The Resident Commissioner has been tasked with coordinating with the JKRTC to ensure proper deluxe buses are arranged,” it said on X.
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