Sirens are ringing, missiles are falling, lives are in danger… Kashmiri students appeal to PM Modi to rescue students trapped in Iran

The war between Iran and Israel continues. Both sides are carrying out rapid attacks on each other. Amidst this increased tension, an appeal has been made to immediately intervene and evacuate Kashmiri students. The families of Indian students trapped in Iran have appealed to the government for evacuation. They have expressed deep concern for the safety and well-being of their children. In fact, more than 1300 Kashmiri students are studying in Iran. The students are scared about the attack.

The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying, ‘We are writing to you with deep urgency and serious concern about the dire situation faced by hundreds of Kashmiri students studying in Iran after the tension between JKSA, Iran and Israel. The recent Israeli airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and Iran’s retaliatory drone and missile action have brought the region to the brink of a full-scale conflict.’

‘Completely helpless, life at risk’

He said, ‘This unstable security environment has put thousands of Indian students, most of whom are from the Kashmir Valley, insecure and at risk. These students had gone to Iran to study MBBS. Now, they find themselves in the middle of an active military zone, where they are at risk for their lives.’

JKSA said, ‘We have been told that many of these students are enrolled in colleges and universities which are located very close to important military installations and strategic sites. They are constantly hearing the sounds of air strikes, air defense sirens and increasing military activity around them. The situation has deteriorated rapidly since last night. Some students are also in cities where there are reports of direct Israeli air strikes. The students are scared and feel completely helpless.’

‘They are Indian children, they must get help’

He said, ‘An attack took place on Sunday evening near the boys’ hostel for international students at the Tehran University of Medical Sciences (Hujjatdoost Dormitory). Two Indian students from the Kashmir Valley were injured in the incident. Fortunately, both are stable and are currently on their way to Ramsar as the university is transferring the students to a nearby village in that area for their safety. We have spoken to their colleagues, who have confirmed that both the students are stable. They are scared and extremely vulnerable in this situation. Parents are extremely upset and worried about the safety and well-being of their children. Many students are living under constant psychological stress and insecurity. They have reported hearing air strike sirens and have seen increased military activity in their areas. Some are even living in cities where air strikes have already taken place.’

At the same time, a woman while talking to the media said, ‘My daughter is in the third year of college. She was trying to escape this situation, but now they are in shock and are not safe. Even the locals are migrating from the area. They are trying to contact the embassy for help, but there is no update for evacuation. They are Indian children and they should get help.’

‘Evacuate students as soon as possible’

Regarding the Indian students stranded in Iran, RJD leader Manoj Jha said that I believe that the Ministry of External Affairs should have information about the students and other Indians working there. I hope that our government will take appropriate action considering their safety and evacuation as soon as possible.