Airspace reopens, evacuation begins; first flight from Iran tomorrow, says JKSA
Srinagar, Jan 15 (KINS): The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) on Thursday took up the issue of Indian students, including those from Jammu and Kashmir, stranded in Iran, by raising the matter with the Office of the External Affairs Minister and the Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister’s Office, seeking urgent attention to their safety and evacuation amid mounting security risks.
National Convenor of the Association, Nasir Khuehami, said that JKSA has received assurances from both offices that the situation is being closely monitored and that the Ministry of External Affairs is actively engaged. “Efforts are currently underway to ensure the safety and secure return of Indian students,” he said.
He said that students from several universities in Iran have informed JKSA that the Indian Embassy has collected their personal details and passports, indicating preparatory steps for coordinated assistance and evacuation. He expressed hope that these measures would lead to the safe and timely return of students, bringing much-needed relief to anxious families across Jammu and Kashmir.
Khuehami added that, Following the reopening of Iran’s airspace to civilian traffic after a temporary closure amid rising tensions, the first evacuation flight is scheduled to depart from Tehran to Delhi tomorrow. All students have been duly registered, and the Embassy has completed the collection of required details and passports. The first batch has been advised to remain ready by 8:00 AM.
It is expected that students from Golestan University, along with a few students from SBUMS/TUMS, will be part of the first evacuation batch. The final passenger list will be shared later tonight, once confirmed by the authorities, he said.
The evacuation process is being coordinated by Indian authorities in close liaison with the Indian Embassy, with additional flights expected in the coming days to ensure the safe return of all remaining students. “This development has brought much-needed relief to students and families across Jammu and Kashmir, who have been under severe stress due to the deteriorating security situation. We hope the evacuation proceeds smoothly, safely, and in a phased manner, ensuring that all remaining students are brought home at the earliest,” (KINS)
