75 Kerala Students Return Amid Indo-Pak Conflict; Calls Grow for Special Trains, Government Action
Thiruvananthapuram/New Delhi, May 10 — Amid heightened military tensions between India and Pakistan, approximately 75 students from Kerala studying in border-state universities are en route back home, according to the Kerala Chief Minister's Office (CMO).These students, who were pursuing studies in central and state universities across Jammu, Rajasthan, Punjab, and other border states, arrived at Kerala House in Delhi late Friday night and early Saturday. The CMO confirmed that the students will be reaching Kerala by Saturday evening or Sunday via various flights and trains.
Students Describe Ongoing Drone Attacks
Some of the returnees, speaking to the media in Delhi, reported continuing drone attacks in areas like Jalandhar, Punjab. They said many other students like them were trying to head back home but were struggling to secure train or flight tickets due to heavy demand and limited availability.Political Leaders Urge Immediate Action
Leader of Opposition in the Kerala Assembly, V D Satheesan, said he had spoken with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan regarding the urgent repatriation of stranded students in Punjab and Kashmir. Satheesan stated that around 240 students from Kerala remain in conflict-affected regions and are living in fear. He said the CM had assured him that immediate action would be taken.CPI(M) Rajya Sabha MP A A Rahim also raised the issue, writing to Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. Rahim emphasized the urgent need for increased railway support to facilitate the safe return of stranded students and workers from the border states.
Demand for Special Trains and Helpline Support
In his letter, Rahim highlighted the severe overcrowding of existing trains and the lack of adequate connectivity, which has forced many people to remain stuck in transit cities or pay excessive prices for alternative transport. He requested that:- Coaches be added to trains on north-south routes, especially those passing through Kerala
- Special train services be introduced from northern and western India to Kerala
- Emergency booking counters and helplines be set up to assist those stranded
24x7 Control Room Set Up at Kerala House
To manage the crisis, a 24x7 control room has been established at Kerala House in New Delhi under CM Vijayan’s direction. The helpline number for the control room is 011-23747079, aimed at offering assistance and updates to Kerala students and residents stuck in the conflict zones.Background: Operation Sindoor and Drone Strikes
Tensions escalated sharply after the Indian armed forces conducted precision strikes under Operation Sindoor on Wednesday, targeting terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. These strikes were in response to the April 22 Pahalgam attack, which had cross-border linkages.Pakistan retaliated with a fresh wave of drone attacks on Friday night, targeting 26 locations across India, from Jammu and Kashmir to Gujarat. The Ministry of Defence stated that attempts to hit critical infrastructure, including airports and air bases, were successfully thwarted.