Jahangeer Ganaie
Srinagar, Mar 19: Amid ongoing evacuation efforts from Iran and neighbouring regions, anxious parents in Jammu and Kashmir have reiterated their demand for immediate intervention by authorities to facilitate the safe return of hundreds of stranded students, many of whom are facing severe financial and health challenges.
More than 200 Indian students, primarily from Jammu and Kashmir and enrolled in universities in Isfahan and Golestan Province, have successfully crossed the Iran–Armenia border in what is being seen as a significant step forward in the evacuation process.
Students who were earlier relocated from Tehran to Qom have now been moved towards the border points in Armenia and Azerbaijan. However, despite reaching these transit locations, many continue to face uncertainty due to a lack of financial resources.
Parents allege that the students have been left to arrange their travel independently, placing a heavy financial burden on already distressed families.
“We have been bearing all the expenses ourselves. The government must at least facilitate their return at this crucial time,” said one of the parents, expressing frustration over what they described as inadequate logistical support.
Several batches of students are expected to return to India between March 20 and March 25, including those from Shiraz University.
Indian engineering students from Kerman have also reached the Iran–Armenia border and are currently awaiting visa clearances.
However, the situation remains grim at the Azerbaijan border, where over 100 Indian students are reportedly stranded due to procedural delays. Only around 6 to 10 students are being issued exit codes each day, which has significantly slowed down the evacuation process, the parents said.
Many students have been stuck at the border since March 12, missing scheduled flights and incurring heavy financial losses.
Parents claimed that around 250 Kashmiri students remain stuck at the Azerbaijan border, with several suffering from chest infections and influenza-like symptoms, while access to proper medical care remains limited.
151 Indian students managed to cross the Iran–Azerbaijan border in the last 24 hours. Some students with tickets for March 14, 18, 19, and 20 were allowed to cross, but those with bookings for March 15, 16, and 17 are still stranded.
Despite some progress, the overall situation remains critical. Hundreds of students are still stranded at various border points, grappling with financial hardships, health risks, and uncertainty, as families continue to appeal for swift and comprehensive government intervention to ensure their safe return home.
