Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is urging students from the region studying in Iran to return to India following a government advisory. The Embassy of India in Iran issued a notice for citizens to depart the country via available transportation, including commercial flights.
Students Advised to Return from Iran
The advisory was issued in response to recent protests in Iran. These demonstrations followed 40-day memorial services for individuals killed during anti-government rallies in January. Chief Minister Abdullah stressed the importance of heeding this advice.
“I would tell them that please do not ignore this advisory from the government of India, because it otherwise becomes an issue for us,” Abdullah stated to reporters in Ganderbal district.
Abdullah noted that the situation in Iran is currently stable. Airports remain open, and commercial flights are operating. This operational status presents an opportunity for students to leave safely.
“I appeal to all the students and those who work there, who do not ignore this advisory, book your tickets and leave Iran,” Abdullah urged. He emphasized that the Ministry of External Affairs does not issue such advisories without serious cause.
The Chief Minister expressed concern about potential complications if the situation were to worsen. “If, God forbid, the situation worsens, then it will be an issue for us as to how to evacuate them. So, I appeal to them to take the advisory seriously and leave from there,” he added.
Inquiry into University Harassment
In a separate matter, Abdullah addressed reports of alleged harassment and eviction threats against Kashmiri students at CT University in Punjab. He pledged to raise this issue with the Chief Minister of Punjab.
“I will talk to the Punjab chief minister on this. It must be the University’s doing, because the government of Punjab has always supported Jammu and Kashmir,” Abdullah said.
He expressed confidence that the Punjab government would address the situation. “I can say with certainty that the Punjab government will not allow this, and the university will be asked about it,” he stated. The Chief Minister assured that any difficulties faced by Kashmiri students would be resolved.