Indian students evacuated from conflict-ridden Iran have expressed gratitude to the Central Government for ensuring their safe return to the country. However, many students—particularly from Jammu and Kashmir—voiced disappointment over the inadequate onward travel arrangements provided by the J&K government from Delhi to their home districts.
After days of tension and a long, exhausting journey from Iran via Armenia and Doha, the students were expecting proper care upon arrival in Delhi. Instead, they were met with old and uncomfortable SRTC buses, a stark contrast to the facilities provided to students from other Indian states who received airport assistance and connecting flights home.
The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association shared a video on social media platform X, highlighting the poor condition of the buses. The post read: “After enduring a harrowing 4-day journey from Iran via Armenia & Doha, Kashmiri students have finally reached Delhi, only to be dumped in SRTC buses, unlike students from other states who were received with proper airport facilitation, care, and connecting flights home.”
The association further criticized the state government’s response, stating, “Exhausted, distressed, and neglected. Is this the reward for their resilience? What’s stopping the J&K Govt from stepping up? Logistics? Willpower? Or just apathy? If it’s about funds, say it loud—we’ll launch a fundraiser for the JK Govt. We’ve done more with less before.”
In response to the backlash, the office of then Chief Minister Omar Abdullah acknowledged the concerns and assured that steps were being taken in coordination with the Jammu and Kashmir State Road Transport Corporation to arrange proper deluxe buses for the students’ travel.
The flight carrying the 110 evacuated Indian students—primarily from Urmia Medical University in Iran—arrived in New Delhi after delays. Out of these, 90 students belonged to the Kashmir Valley. According to Nasir Khuehami, convenor of the Jammu and Kashmir Students Union, the students had successfully crossed into Armenia on Tuesday and were temporarily accommodated in Yerevan before being flown to India.
Iran has remained a favored destination for Kashmiri students due to its affordable higher education and cultural similarities. Currently, over 4,000 Indian students—nearly half of them from J&K—are pursuing courses in cities like Tehran, Shiraz, and Qom.
Amaan Azhar, one of the evacuated students, shared his emotions after landing in India. “I am very happy. I cannot express in words how happy I am to finally be able to meet my family. The situation in Iran is very bad. The people there are like us; there are small children who are suffering. War is not a good thing. It kills humanity,” he said.
While the safe evacuation has been widely appreciated, the incident has raised questions about state-level preparedness and sensitivity in handling returning students during international emergencies.
