June 17, 2025: Politicians and the parents of Kashmiri students studying in Iran have urged the Union Government to immediately take action for their evacuation or relocation to safer locations amid escalating tensions between Iran and Israel and an increasing death toll. Omar Abdullah, the chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, stated that he had discussed the welfare and safety of Kashmiri students in Iran with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. “The Hon’ble Minister assured me that the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is in close contact with its counterparts in Iran and will take all necessary steps to safeguard Indian students,” Abdullah posted on X.
Over the past few days, with Israeli airstrikes targeting sites in Tehran, students from J&K have raised concerns about their safety and requested relocation to secure areas. Concerned about the deteriorating situation, their families have expressed profound anxiety at home. Srinagar-based parent Nisar Ahmad claimed that he was able to communicate with his Iranian student daughter. “She told me the situation is very bad. We are very concerned. The government must shift the students to safer places,” he said.
A Kashmiri medical student studying in Iran voiced similar concerns and suggested that students be temporarily relocated. "The government can at least move us for a few days to Armenia, a safer country. The situation is escalating rapidly, and students are scared,” she said.
Valley political leaders have also urged the Central government to act quickly. Mehbooba Mufti, the head of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), stated that the students' families are becoming increasingly concerned. “I earnestly urge the Ministry of External Affairs to intervene and take immediate steps to ensure the safe return of their loved ones,” she posted on X.
Sajad Lone, the head of the People's Conference and an MLA for Handwara, urged the government to take immediate action. We must do whatever it takes to regain our citizens. Efforts must be made to bring these students home safely,” he stated on X.
In addition, Hurriyat chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq appealed to the Union Government late at night. “There are more than 1300 Kashmiri students who attend school there, and their parents must be in great distress here. He stated, "We appeal to the Government of India to take immediate measures to ensure their safety, well-being, and possible return." The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association reported on Monday that it had written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to point out the dire circumstances hundreds of Kashmiri students in Iran are in. “Many students are enrolled in colleges and universities located dangerously close to military installations and strategic sites. The association stated, "They report hearing continuous airstrikes, sirens, and observing increased military activity." Some students live in cities that have been the direct targets of Israeli airstrikes. Since last night, the situation has deteriorated rapidly.”
The association asked the Prime Minister to tell Dr. S. Jaishankar, Minister of External Affairs, to start emergency evacuation procedures and move students to safer parts of Iran. It went on to say, "This will provide the much-needed relief and assurance to the distressed families back home." The association confirmed in a late-night update that representatives from the Indian Embassy in Iran are working closely with representatives from universities and local authorities to ensure the safe and prompt evacuation of all Indian students, including Kashmiri ones.