Srinagar, February 28 – As reports of Israeli bombings in Iran surfaced on Saturday, Kashmiris have expressed grave concern for the safety of local students and others still stranded in the country.
Both former Chief Minister Dr. Farooq Abdullah and the current Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had earlier this week urged Kashmiri students in Iran to seriously consider the advisory issued by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs and to return to India, as the airspace was open at that time.
Despite many Kashmiri students having returned to India while flights were still operating, reports here suggest that many are still stranded in Iran. This is not only the case with Kashmiri students, but a significant number of Indian doctors and other members of the Iranian workforce are also still present in Iran.
Dr. Mohammad Momin Khan, the national representative and Pradesh President of the All India Medical Students Association (AIMSA), has called for close coordination with Iranian authorities, university administrations, and the Indian embassy in Tehran.
He has called for the issuance of clear advisories, the activation of dedicated emergency helplines, and the preparation of a comprehensive contingency and evacuation plan if the situation deteriorates.
AIMSA reiterated that Indian students and nationals must remain the foremost priority of the Government of India. In a formal appeal, AIMSA urged External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar to take immediate and proactive measures to safeguard all Indian citizens in the region.
The association has emphasized the need for continuous monitoring of developments and timely communication to prevent panic and ensure clarity among students and their families.
Meanwhile, regardless of sectarian loyalties, Muslims throughout the Valley have condemned the Israeli attacks on Iran and demanded an immediate cessation of hostilities.
The Kashmir Valley and the Kargil area of Ladakh have a large population of Shia Muslims, who have strong religious and sectarian ties with Iran.
Authorities in the Valley are monitoring the situation to ensure that locals express their sentiments peacefully and to prevent anti-social elements from exploiting the situation.
