Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar Jan 14: Parents of Kashmiri students studying in Iran say they are deeply worried about their children’s safety after India issued an advisory asking all its citizens in Iran to leave the country at the earliest due to an evolving security situation.
Nearly 4,000 Kashmiri students are currently studying in Iran, most of them pursuing Medical courses at universities in Tehran and other provinces. Parents say rising regional tensions, protests, and repeated internet shutdowns have heightened their anxiety, with many unable to contact their children for several days.
The Indian Embassy in Tehran issued an advisory urging Indian nationals, including students, to leave Iran using available means such as commercial flights. The embassy also advised them to avoid protest areas, remain cautious, stay in touch with the mission, and keep travel and identity documents ready. Emergency helpline numbers have been shared, and families in India have been asked to register students with the embassy if internet services remain disrupted.
Speaking to reporters at Partap Park, Press Enclave in Srinagar, parents said communication with their children has remained largely cut off. One parent said they were unable to speak to their child for nearly a week due to internet restrictions.
“When we finally spoke, they said the situation was bad. There is no proper internet, and they do not have enough money. Now, they are being asked to leave on their own,” she said, demanding immediate evacuation by the government.
Another parent whose child studies at Tehran University of Medical Sciences said the advisory places the responsibility of leaving on students. “Earlier, the government arranged evacuations. This time students are being told to manage on their own. If evacuation is necessary, the government should do it or move them to safer places,” he said.
The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) expressed grave concern over the safety and well-being of Kashmiri students and other Indian nationals stranded in Iran. “It noted that while the Indian Embassy in Tehran has issued an advisory asking students to leave Iran at the earliest through self-arranged means, no formal or coordinated evacuation plan has yet been announced,” National Convenor JKSA, Nasir Khuehami, said.
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