Srinagar, Aug 09 : Union External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar on Friday commended the J&K Students Association (JKSA) for acknowledging the Government of India’s efforts in repatriating 3,500 Kashmiri students from conflict-ridden Bangladesh.
In a letter addressed to Nasir Khuehami, National Convenor of JKSA, Dr. Jaishankar praised the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) for its successful coordination with local authorities and Indian diplomatic missions to ensure the safe return of these students.
Dr. Jaishankar emphasized that the safety of the Indian diaspora, including Kashmiri students, remains a top priority for the Government of India. He assured that the government is committed to providing all necessary assistance to its nationals abroad.
In the wake of ongoing unrest in Bangladesh, several colleges have issued circulars requesting students to return and resume their studies. This has led to widespread concern among parents, who are apprehensive about sending their children back to the unstable region.
Zameer Ahmad, a concerned parent from Srinagar, voiced his apprehension, stating, “We understand the importance of education, but our children’s safety comes first. We will not send them back until the situation in Bangladesh significantly improves.”
Zubair Ahmad Khan, whose son is studying MBBS in Dhaka, echoed similar concerns. “The news from Bangladesh is alarming. We need assurances of their safety before we even consider sending our children back,” Khan said, highlighting the ongoing fear and uncertainty among parents.
Currently, approximately 300 Kashmiri students remain stranded in various Bangladeshi colleges, having urged the MEA to prioritize their evacuation. The recent evacuation of 3,500 students from Bangladesh underscores the swift action taken by the MEA.
The MEA has issued an advisory cautioning Indian nationals against traveling to Bangladesh until further notice.
