Jahangeer Ganaie
Srinagar, Mar 16: Indian students fleeing Iran are facing a chaotic homeward journey, with nearly 70 stranded at Dubai airport after flight cancellations, and another group blocked at the Azerbaijan border for two days running. Parents are accusing the government of failing to facilitate even the basic logistics of their return despite leaving families to bear all expenses.
At Dubai International Airport, flights were temporarily cancelled earlier on Monday, leaving around 70 Indian students waiting anxiously for hours. According to the latest update shared with them, boarding was expected to begin around 4:20 pm Dubai time, bringing some relief to the stranded group.
According to reports, a separate group of students attempting to cross into Azerbaijan from neighbouring regions has been stuck at the border crossing for two days. Around 100 Indian students from Islamic Azad University and other institutions managed to cross the border two days ago, but since then, authorities have barred further movement, leaving many stranded near the crossing point.
The Azerbaijan blockade has caused financial damage. Several students had booked air tickets, costing over Rs 60,000 each, expecting to fly out via Azerbaijan, but were unable to use them when the border closed. With no clarity on when they will be allowed to cross, many cannot even reschedule their flights.
“We were expecting the government to evacuate our children studying in Iran, but they failed to do so. We have had to bear all expenses on our own, but the government is failing in even facilitating their return,” a parent said, urging the Government of India to take up the matter with neighbouring countries to ensure students could reach safety.
More than 50 Indian students safely arrived in New Delhi on Sunday, though several expressed frustration that the government had not arranged direct evacuation flights from Armenia to Delhi as they had hoped.
To facilitate onward travel, buses arranged by the Jammu and Kashmir State Road Transport Corporation (JKSRTC) were stationed outside the airport under the supervision of the J&K government. However, only six students opted to use the service. The majority arranged their own travel. Some boarded private buses to Kool Kars Bus Terminal, others booked domestic flights to reach their hometowns more quickly.
The All India Medical Students Association (AIMSA) said it was maintaining regular contact with stranded students and coordinating with authorities to ensure those stuck at transit points received necessary support.
With the Azerbaijan border still shut and flight disruptions continuing at Dubai, the situation remained fluid, with many students hoping travel restrictions would ease and smoother arrangements would be made for their safe return.
