Srinagar, July 21: Political parties and leaders in Jammu & Kashmir have urged the Government of India to ensure the safe return of the J&K students from Bangladesh in view of unrest prevailing in the country for a week now.
Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) spokesperson in a statement issued here said, “The unrest in the neighbouring country has put parents of the students understudy there, in trauma and distress. We appeal to the Ministry of External Affairs and the Jammu & Kashmir administration to ensure the safe passage and return of our students from Bangladesh amid the ongoing violent protests in the neighbouring country.”
PDP President Mehbooba Mufti urged the Government of India for immediate steps to be taken in bringing Kashmiri students back to their homes. “As protests & turmoil grip Bangladesh, I urge @DrSJaishankar to urgently intervene & ensure the safety of thousands of Kashmiri students in Bangladesh. Internet services being suspended has only added to the distress of their parents. Immediate steps must be taken to bring them back home,” Mufti wrote on a social media site X.
Expressing deep concern for the safety and well-being of the students, the PDP spokesperson said the situation in Bangladesh is alarming and the safety of our students is of paramount importance. He called for a coordinated effort between the Indian High Commission in Bangladesh and the concerned authorities to ensure a smooth and secure evacuation process as soon as possible.
Rather also called on the government to provide timely updates to the families of students who are understandably anxious about the safety of their loved ones. “We stand with the families and will do everything at our command to ensure their loved ones return home safely,” he added.
The PDP spokesperson has appealed to the students to remain calm and follow the instructions provided by the Indian High Commission and other authorities, assuring them that their safety is the top priority and that every possible measure will be taken to ensure their safe return.
The Member of Parliament (MP) and National Conference leader Mian Altaf Ahmad has expressed concern over the situation arising in Bangladesh and has sought the help of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India to ensure the safety of students from Kashmiri stuck in protest-hit Bangladesh.
The MP from Anantnag-Rajouri Lok Sabha seat has sought the intervention of Union external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar to ensure the safety of students who are from different parts of J&K and other people who are working in Bangladesh and stuck there.
In a statement issued here, Mian Altaf said, “It is deeply concerning the ongoing situation in Bangladesh, witnessing protests from the student community. I urge the Government of India to take urgent measures for the safety of our students studying there. I also urge the Ministry of External Affairs Dr S Jaishankar to ensure their safety and, if needed, make arrangements to bring them back.”
He said thousands of Kashmir-based students are pursuing medical degrees in colleges in Bangladesh and parents have been unable to contact them, while some are there for business and other purposes. “The Government of India should take necessary steps to ensure their safety,” he said. The MP said he will raise the issue with the EAM Dr S Jaishankar in Delhi.
Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Front (PDF), Hakeem Muhammad Yaseen has called on the Central government to ensure the safety of Indian students, including those from Kashmir, who are studying in various educational institutions in Bangladesh.
In a statement issued here, Yaseen urged the Central government to facilitate the safe return of these students in light of the ongoing disturbed law and order situation in Bangladesh due to the government quota reservation agitation.
The former minister said the parents of students from Jammu & Kashmir are deeply concerned about the safety of their children, as they are unable to communicate with them due to an internet shutdown and nationwide curfew in Bangladesh.
He requested the Central government to arrange special air flights to evacuate the students stranded in Bangladesh and ensure their immediate and safe return to their homes.
