In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
  • Says; students stranded without transit permits despite valid flight bookings after being asked to submit PNR details; many report illness, financial distress, and growing uncertainty

SRINAGAR: The Jammu & Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) on Tuesday sought the urgent intervention of External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar to facilitate the safe evacuation of around 200 Indian students including Kashmiri stranded near the Azerbaijan–Iran border amid the ongoing escalation and war-like situation in the region.National Convenor of the Association, Nasir Khuehami, said that the students had travelled from different parts of Iran and reached the Azerbaijan border in the hope of crossing over for their onward journey to India.

However, Azerbaijani authorities have reportedly closed the border and are not allowing them to enter the country or granting transit permits, leaving hundreds of Indian students stranded in extremely distressing conditions.Khuehami said that students were earlier instructed to book their flight tickets in advance and submit their PNR details, after which they would be escorted to the border.

They were also informed that travel permissions would be coordinated in batches, enabling them to cross the border and board their onward flights. Following these instructions, many students booked tickets for March 18, 19, and 21.However, with the delay in granting travel permissions, many students who had already purchased tickets are now stranded near the border and facing uncertainty about whether they will be able to travel on time.

The situation has caused significant anxiety among the students, especially considering the high cost of the tickets they had arranged.He added that although the Armenia border had briefly opened earlier, enabling some students to travel onward to Delhi, many others remain stuck near the Azerbaijan border after being denied entry despite having valid travel bookings.Students have informed the Association that they are exhausted, anxious, and facing severe hardships.

Several are reportedly unwell, suffering from infections, and running out of money and basic necessities. Due to poor connectivity and the lack of facilities in the border region, many are unable to regularly contact their families, further increasing the distress among parents back home.Khuehami said the families of the stranded students are deeply worried and spending sleepless nights, as their children remain trapped in a vulnerable situation amid the escalating conflict and uncertainty surrounding the border closure. The Association has appealed to the External Affairs Minister to urgently intervene and engage with Azerbaijani authorities to allow the students safe passage

He urged the Minister to take up the matter with the Azerbaijani government and ensure that the stranded students are granted transit permission at the earliest, enabling them to proceed with their scheduled flights and return home safely.The Association stressed that time is of the essence, given the deteriorating conditions at the border and the growing anxiety among students and their families. JKSA called for swift diplomatic intervention and coordinated evacuation efforts to prevent the situation from worsening and to ensure the safe return of all stranded Indian students.

Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). “His article, ‘When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.”.  Read the message here
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

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