Jahangeer Ganaie
Srinagar, Mar 25: Anxiety continues to mount among families as a significant number of Indian students remain stranded in Iran due to slow issuance of exit codes, mounting financial hardships, and growing uncertainty over their return.
According to details available, the evacuation process is going on at a slow pace, with only 6 to 10 students receiving exit clearance per day.
This delay has left many students in a precarious situation, with several already missing scheduled flights and incurring financial losses, including the Rs 10,000 visa fee.
The situation has become more distressing as desperate students are now attempting alternative routes, travelling from the Azerbaijan–Iran border towards the Armenia–Iran border in hope of securing quicker exit approvals.
Officials said that at least 52 students have expressed their inability to leave immediately due to acute financial constraints. Many of them had their flight tickets cancelled after failing to receive exit codes on time, resulting in heavy monetary losses and leaving them with no immediate means to arrange fresh travel.
“These students are facing serious financial distress and have requested the Indian Embassy to allow them to continue staying in the accommodations that were provided earlier,” they said.
However, the embassy has informed them that the rooms are now required for other Indian nationals awaiting evacuation, and the students have been asked to vacate, further compounding their difficulties.
Despite daily evacuations, an estimated 150 to 200 students are still believed to be stranded across different parts of Iran. Adding to the concerns, some students from Golestan University of Medical Sciences have reported discrepancies related to visa status in their passports, which could further delay their exit.
Parents in Jammu and Kashmir, have voiced deep concern over the situation and are urging authorities to expedite the evacuation process. “Every passing day is increasing our anxiety. The government must ensure all students are brought back safely and at the earliest,” said a worried parent.
Officials have indicated that all stranded students are expected to return by March 31, subject to the timely issuance of exit codes. However, given the current pace, families remain apprehensive.
Meanwhile, the All India Medical Students Association, represented by Dr. Momin Khan, has expressed gratitude to the Ministry of External Affairs, Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi, and the Divisional Commissioner Kashmir’s office for their continued support and intervention in the matter. (KNO)
