Srinagar, June 15: As tensions escalate between Israel and Iran, a group of Indian medical students studying in Tehran—many hailing from Jammu and Kashmir—have appealed for urgent help, expressing fears for their safety and urging Indian authorities to intervene.
In a written statement, the students described their situation as increasingly perilous. While daytime in Tehran remains seemingly calm, nights are punctuated by the sounds of missile interceptions and occasional direct strikes.
“Almost every night, the sky above Tehran echoes with missile interceptions and, at times, direct strikes. The days are calm and appear normal, but the nights are fraught with danger,” the students said. “The margin between safety and catastrophe feels painfully thin. If we are lucky, we survive another night.”
Though Iran’s air defence systems have intercepted many attacks, the atmosphere remains tense and uncertain.
“We are far from home, living under a constant shadow of fear. Our families in Kashmir are deeply anxious, but we can no longer assure them with confidence,” the students added.
The students have urged the Government of India, respective state administrations, and international student support organisations to intervene immediately, either through evacuation plans or by maintaining direct contact to monitor their safety and well-being.
“This is not just a request for help but a plea for protection. We are afraid. We are trying to survive, but we cannot do it alone,” the students wrote.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said he had spoken to External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, about the situation of Kashmiri students in Iran.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he wrote: “Just spoke to @DrSJaishankar regarding the situation in Iran, particularly the welfare & safety of Kashmiri students in the country. The Hon Minister assured me that @MEAIndia is in close contact with their counterparts in Iran & will take all necessary steps to safeguard all Indian students in Iran.”
Meanwhile, families of the stranded students have expressed deep concerns over the safety and well-being of their children urging both the Government of India and the Jammu and Kashmir administration to facilitate their safe return.
One parent shared that she has been unable to contact her daughter, studying at Tehran University, for the past two days, expressing feelings of panic and insecurity. The absence of available shelter homes in Tehran has exacerbated the situation, leaving students vulnerable in a war-like environment.
Another parent highlighted the dire conditions, stating that students are unable to access food and feel unsafe. She appealed to the governments to intervene on humanitarian grounds to ensure their children’s safe return.
In response to the crisis, the Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir has established a dedicated control room in Srinagar to assist families of students studying in Iran. Parents and guardians can contact the control room to share details of their wards through the following landline numbers: 0194-2483651, 0194-2457543, 0194-2457552 and WhatsApp Number, +91-9103998355.
