Over three dozen Kashmiri students return safely from Iran on commercial flights; situation stabilises, families express relief: JKSA

• Says, Indian Embassy remains in constant touch with students; more students expected to return in the coming days

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) on Saturday stated that over three dozen Kashmiri students have safely returned to India from Iran. The Association said that the students travelled on two commercial flights operating from Iran. One group travelled via a connecting flight from Shiraz to Sharjah and onward to Delhi, while another flight operated directly from Tehran to Delhi.

Officials of the Indian Embassy in Tehran facilitated the students’ movement to the airports and ensured their safety and security throughout the process.National Convenor of the Association, Nasir Khuehami, said, “All students travelled at their own expense, and a significant number of pilgrims were also on board these two flights. The students have reached India safely and have since returned to their native places.

Many more students are expected to arrive from today onwards, as they have booked commercial flights.”He further stated that officials at the Indian Embassy in Tehran have informed JKSA that the Government of India’s formal evacuation operations are still on hold. “The Embassy is in direct contact with the students and will personally inform them through official channels if evacuation becomes necessary,” he added.

Khuehami said that JKSA is maintaining constant communication and coordination with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Indian Embassy in Tehran, which are closely coordinating with the Iranian authorities. He added that all students who remain in Iran are safe, secure, and stable, and that the situation on the ground is gradually stabilising.He further noted that family members expressed relief and appreciation to the Ministry of External Affairs and Indian Embassy officials upon the students’ arrival.

“The families conveyed their trust in the Government of India and the MEA, and expressed gratitude for the timely efforts taken to ensure the safety of their children during a difficult period,” Khuehami said.The Association welcomed the safe return of the students and said the development has brought much-needed relief to anxious families across Jammu and Kashmir, adding that many students studying in different parts of Iran are expected to arrive from today onwards after booking commercial flights.