“I’m in touch with the MEA regarding the situation in Iran, particularly concerning the students from Kashmir in Tehran, Shiraz, Qom and other cities. The MEA, in turn, is in close contact with the authorities in Iran,” Omar said in a statement.
He added that any decision regarding evacuation would be taken based on the ground situation, with the safety and security of the students being the top priority. “We will keep everyone informed as the situation develops,” he said.
“As a parent, I assure all concerned families of my government’s continuous and close attention to this important and developing situation,” the Chief Minister added.
Meanwhile, the Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) has urged External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar to initiate immediate evacuation measures for students from the Union Territory studying in Iran, as tensions between Tel Aviv and Tehran escalate.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), JKPCC president Tariq Hameed Karra wrote: “Urgent action needed by @DrSJaishankar to evacuate J&K students studying in Iran amid escalating tensions and a volatile situation. Prioritise their safety, provide comprehensive support, and ensure their swift, secure return home.”
The opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) also extended support to the stranded students, advising them to contact the Indian Embassy in Tehran. PDP leader Iltija Mufti shared on X: “For Kashmiri students stranded in Iran, please leave a WhatsApp message or call on these Indian Embassy numbers: +98 9128109115 and +98 9128109109. If you can’t get through, please tag us (@jkpdp, @YouthJKPDP) in your tweets.”
In a proactive move, the divisional administration has established a control room in Srinagar to assist parents of students studying in Iran. “In view of the current situation in the Middle East, the Divisional Administration has set up a dedicated control room at the DC Office in Srinagar to assist families of students studying in Iran. Parents and guardians can contact the control room to share details of their wards,” a government statement read.
The situation in the Middle East turned critical after Israel launched airstrikes on Iran on Friday, followed by retaliatory attacks from Iran targeting civilian areas in Israel. Kashmiri students in Iran, gripped by fear, believe the conflict could spiral into a full-scale war and have appealed to Indian authorities for immediate evacuation. Over the years, Iran has emerged as a popular destination for higher education among students from Jammu and Kashmir.
