Amidst the evolving and tense situation in Iran, the Central Government has taken a proactive approach to ensuring the safety of Jammu and Kashmir students and other Indian citizens stranded there. Foreign Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar spoke with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday and assured him that all necessary steps are being taken to ensure the safety of all Indian citizens, especially students from Jammu and Kashmir, in Iran and ensure their safe return.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah shared information on his social media platform, ‘X’, stating that he had discussed the situation in Iran with the Foreign Minister. He expressed concern about the safety of Jammu and Kashmir students and other citizens living there, which the Foreign Minister fully assured him. Dr. Jaishankar stated that the Central Government is closely monitoring the situation and a concrete plan is being developed for their safe return, if required.
Meanwhile, People’s Democratic Party (PDP) President and former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Mehbooba Mufti, has also expressed concern over the situation in Iran. She has appealed to the central government to take immediate and effective steps to ensure the safe return of Kashmiri students and other citizens stranded in Iran.
Mehbooba Mufti wrote on her ‘X’ handle that the families of students and other Indian citizens stranded in Iran are deeply concerned in the current tense situation. She urged the Foreign Minister to take immediate action on humanitarian grounds to ensure the safe return of all Indians, especially Kashmiris.
According to one estimate, over 10,000 Indian citizens are currently present in Iran, a large number of whom are said to be students.
