Srinagar, Mar 04: Indian students stranded at Urmia University in Iran have demanded immediate evacuation after back-to-back explosions rocked the area near their hostel, as the US-Iran conflict continued to escalate on Wednesday with no immediate end in sight.
A student of Medical Science from the university said in a video message, “An attack has happened. The situation has escalated quite rapidly as we were taking classes and providing our services in the hospitals. So, it was not really up to us to leave early.”
Dr Mohammad Momin Khan, national representative of All India Medical Students Association (AIMSA), said heavy strikes were reported last night in Urmia near the boys’ hostel. “Urmia University officials have told the Indian students to leave through the Armenia Border. Students were extremely frightened and were continuously reaching out to us for assistance. Strikes were also reported in Qom,” he said.
Khan said there are more than two dozen students in Urmia University, including students from Jammu and Kashmir. AIMSA has urged the Government of India to take immediate steps to evacuate students through the nearby borders. “Today, parents met the Chief Minister, who has assured us that he will do everything possible to ensure the safe evacuation of students from Iran,” he said.
A day after Indian students were shifted on Tuesday from Tehran to Qom as a precautionary measure, they also reported fresh explosions in their new location, triggering further fear and anxiety. They have been provided with safe hotel accommodation and Indian food for their comfort and well-being in Qom.
On Wednesday, parents of Kashmiri students in Iran appealed to the Government of India for their safe evacuation amid the growing Israel-Iran conflict. They also met the Deputy Commissioner Srinagar.
Stranded student’s parent Suhail Muzamil Qadri said, “We thank the Ministry of External Affairs, Prime Minister and CM of J&K for their efforts in relocating our children to a safer zone from Tehran. But every inch of Iran is under fire. Students, businessmen, and pilgrims stranded there are at high risk. We want our children to be evacuated safely. We are even ready to pay for their ticket fare.”
Mohd Ashraf Bhat, one of the parents whose daughter Ronak is studying MBBS in Iran, urged the Government of India and the Ministry of External Affairs to take immediate steps for the evacuation of students.
The Embassy of India in Tehran has issued emergency helpline numbers: Mobile Numbers: +989128109115; +989128109109; +989128109102; +989932179359 and Email: [email protected].
Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs on Wednesday set up a Control Room to assist those affected by the escalating crisis in West Asia and the Gulf region, operational from 9am to 9pm. The MEA said almost one crore Indian citizens live in West Asia and their safety and well-being is of utmost priority for New Delhi.
“A Control Room has been set up in the Ministry of External Affairs in view of the current situation in West Asia and the Gulf region,” the MEA said. It added that India remains in touch with governments in the region as well as other key partners and will continue to closely monitor the evolving situation.
