Jahangeer Ganaie
Srinagar, Mar 4: Families across Jammu and Kashmir are gripped by fear and distress as hundreds of students from the Valley, enrolled in medical and other professional courses in Iran, continue to face a volatile and uncertain security situation with no clear evacuation plan in sight. The parents of these students are appealing to the Government of India for their immediate evacuation.
Students enrolled in medical and other professional courses in cities such as Tehran, Qom, and Urmia are reported to be living under constant fear as tensions escalate across multiple regions of the country.
Parents said that although some students were recently relocated from Tehran to Qom as a precautionary step by Indian Embassy in Tehran, the overall security environment remains deeply alarming as the whole country is under attack.
“There is a widespread sense of fear and helplessness. Even after relocation, no place appears safe at the moment,” said a parent from Srinagar.
Fresh reports of loud explosions, including one near a student dormitory in Urmia, have intensified anxiety among students. They said that areas around universities have been affected, with some buildings struck, leaving students shaken and traumatised.
Students relocated to Qom have also reported hearing explosions shortly after their arrival, raising serious concerns about the effectiveness of internal relocation as a safety measure.
“Our children are extremely scared. Explosions near their hostels have left them mentally disturbed. They are unable to sleep or focus on their studies. We fear for their lives every moment,” another distressed parent said.
Parents and student bodies say the crisis has now evolved beyond a security emergency into a mental health one, with students experiencing severe stress, anxiety, panic attacks, and depression amid continuous uncertainty. Families back home are equally affected, with many enduring sleepless nights and constant worry.
“This is not just a security issue anymore—it is a psychological crisis affecting both students and their families,” a group of parents said.
While acknowledging the steps taken earlier by authorities, including precautionary relocations, parents and student bodies have now demanded a full-scale evacuation of all Indian students from Iran.
The All India Medical Students Association (AIMSA), along with parents, has urged the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to initiate immediate evacuation measures, preferably through nearby land borders into safer countries such as Armenia or Azerbaijan.
Dr Mohammad Momin Khan, National Representative and J&K President of AIMSA, expressed serious concern over the rapidly deteriorating situation and emphasised the need for swift and decisive action to ensure the safety of Indian nationals.
“Partial relocation is not sufficient given the current ground situation. A structured evacuation plan must be executed without delay,” he said.
Parents said many students remain stranded in different parts of Iran, including high-risk areas, with limited communication and growing uncertainty. The lack of clear timelines and official evacuation plans has further compounded their anxiety.
As of now, no large-scale evacuation advisory has been issued by Indian authorities, though officials said the situation is being closely monitored and efforts are ongoing to relocate Indian citizens from Iran safely.
“With folded hands, we appeal to the Government of India to rescue our children. Every passing hour is increasing our fear,” the parents said.
