‘Students in fear, ready to bear travel costs’
Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Mar 5: The J&K Students Association (JKSA) today urged the External Affairs Minister to facilitate the evacuation of Indian students stranded in the northwestern Iranian city of Urmia through the Armenia border.
In a statement, JKSA National Convenor Nasir Khuehami said the association has been in constant contact with several Indian students, including Kashmiris studying at Urmia University, who reported a rapidly deteriorating security situation following repeated explosions and airstrikes near their residential areas.
According to the students, JKSA said, several blasts have occurred close to their dormitories, including a recent strike about 300 metres from the boys’ hostel.
The explosions shook nearby buildings, leaving students frightened and anxious, according to the JKSA.
Students have also reported hearing fighter jets and air defence activity throughout the day and night, creating an atmosphere of constant fear and uncertainty.
Khuehami said the situation has become increasingly volatile as some targeted sites in the surrounding areas include sensitive military installations and airbases, making the region vulnerable to further strikes.
“In view of the rapidly deteriorating security situation, we have urged External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar to facilitate the evacuation of Indian students stranded in Urmia through the Armenia land route, which currently appears to be the most feasible and accessible corridor for safe passage,” he said.
The association said it has also informed the Ministry of External Affairs that the stranded students are willing to bear their own travel expenses if required but urgently need diplomatic assistance from the Government of India to facilitate the evacuation.
“Students primarily require formal permission and facilitation from the Embassy of India in Tehran, including a travel authorization that would allow them to safely cross into neighbouring countries through the Armenia route,” Khuehami said.
JKSA has urged the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Embassy in Tehran to coordinate with authorities in Iran and Armenia to ensure safe transit arrangements and provide the necessary documentation that would allow Indian students to temporarily enter Armenia before returning to India.
Khuehami said timely intervention and structured evacuation planning are critical to ensuring the safety of the students, “many of whom are experiencing severe psychological distress.”
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