- Says, MEA facilitates travel for Kashmiri pilgrims to Iraq to visit sacred sites in Karbala and Najaf, on their request
SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) on Monday expressed its heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) for their prompt and effective intervention in the safe evacuation of over 40 Kashmiri pilgrims stranded in Syria amidst severe unrest. National Convenor of the Association, Nasir Khuehami, said, “We extend our deepest gratitude to the Prime Minister, Union External Affairs Minister, and the Ministry for their swift and effective response during this crisis.
The Ministry ensured the safe transportation of the pilgrims from Syria to Lebanon, providing them with food, excellent accommodation, and assistance with onwards travel." Khuehami explained that the Indian Embassy in Syria took immediate action to evacuate the pilgrims from the volatile Saida Zainab area, arranging safe bus transport to Lebanon since flights were not operating from Syria. “The Embassy staff extended exceptional care, even booking tickets for further travel, ensuring a seamless journey for the stranded pilgrims,” he said.
Further, the Indian Embassy in Beirut made detailed arrangements for the pilgrims, including their boarding and lodging, and facilitated their onwards journey to Iraq as per their request. This allowed the pilgrims to fulfill their spiritual obligation of visiting sacred sites such as Karbala and Najaf, which hold immense significance in their faith. “Such efforts reflect the Ministry’s and the Embassy’s dedication to ensuring the comfort, safety, and religious aspirations of Indian citizens,” Khuehami said. Khuehami also praised the warm reception provided by Indian Ambassador Noor Rahman in Lebanon, where the pilgrims were received with utmost care and efficiency.
He noted that the Ministry’s prompt assistance brought immense relief to the anxious families in Kashmir, who were deeply worried about their loved ones. “The extraordinary support and coordinated efforts reflect the Government of India’s unwavering commitment to the safety and welfare of its citizens abroad,” he said. Khuehami emphasized that this is not the first instance of the Ministry’s timely intervention for citizens of Jammu and Kashmir.
“Be it during the Ukraine-Russia war, the Bangladesh reservation crisis, or other emergencies, the Ministry’s consistent efforts have provided relief and hope to those in distress,” he stated. He also added that the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association had taken up the matter with the Ministry of External Affairs from the very first day. “The immediate response ensured not only the evacuation of pilgrims from Syria but also facilitated their subsequent travel to Iraq, allowing them to fulfill their religious obligations,” Khuehami added. The coordinated actions of the Ministry, Indian Embassies in Damascus and Beirut ensured the safe passage, appropriate accommodations, and logistical support for the stranded pilgrims.
“This intervention demonstrates the Government of India's, especially Ministry’s efficiency and empathy in handling such crises. The efforts of the Indian embassies and the Ministry have brought immense solace to the affected families and strengthened their trust in the Government of India’s care for its citizens,” Khuehami said. He assured that JKSA remains committed to collaborating with the Ministry to assist students, labourers, and other citizens during emergencies. “We will continue to support efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of people, especially during crises,” Khuehami added.
