Rehan Qayoom Mir
Srinagar, Jan 17: Relief mixed with anger marked the return of over three dozen Kashmiri students from Iran on Saturday, as families expressed gratitude for their safe arrival, but students spoke of the huge financial burden and frustration over media portrayal of their situation.
Several students said that there was no immediate danger where they were studying. “We came back on our own. There is no harsh situation as shown on TV; they only portray panic and exaggeration.”
Meanwhile, National Convenor of the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA), Nasir Khuehami, said, “All students travelled at their own expense, and a significant number of pilgrims also returned on these two flights. The students have reached India safely and have since returned to their native places. Many more students are expected to arrive from today onwards, as they have booked commercial flights.”
“The Indian Embassy is in direct contact with the students and will personally inform them through official channels if evacuation becomes necessary,” he added.
Khuehami said that JKSA is maintaining constant communication and coordination with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Indian Embassy in Tehran, which are closely coordinating with the Iranian authorities. He added that all students who remain in Iran are safe, secure, and stable, and that the situation on the ground is gradually stabilising.
He further noted that family members expressed relief and appreciation to the Ministry of External Affairs and Indian Embassy officials upon the students’ arrival. “The families conveyed their trust in the Government of India and the MEA, and expressed gratitude for the timely efforts taken to ensure the safety of their children during a difficult period,” Khuehami said.
The Association welcomed the safe return of the students and said the development has brought much-needed relief to anxious families across Jammu and Kashmir, adding that many students studying in different parts of Iran are expected to arrive from today onwards after booking commercial flights.
National Convenor Nasir Khuehami said, “The students travelled at their own expense and many more are expected to return on commercial flights in the coming days. The Embassy remains in touch and will inform students officially if evacuation becomes necessary.”
Families expressed relief and gratitude to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and Indian Embassy officials for their support, but the personal cost and frustration over misleading media reports cast a shadow on what should have been a purely joyous homecoming. (KNO)
