Daijiworld Media Network - Srinagar

Srinagar, Jan 15: The advisory issued by the Indian Embassy in Iran on Wednesday afternoon, urging all Indian nationals to leave the country immediately due to the escalating situation, has triggered panic among parents and students, the majority of whom are pursuing medical studies.

Financial constraints and administrative hurdles, including universities allegedly refusing to hand over passports, have left hundreds of Indian students in a state of uncertainty. Over 3,000 Indian medical students are currently studying in Iran, with a significant number hailing from Jammu and Kashmir.

In view of the growing anxiety, the All India Medical Students Association (AISMA), Jammu and Kashmir unit, has made an open appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging the Centre to arrange evacuation of students, keeping in mind their safety and financial difficulties.

With most communication channels to Iran reportedly blocked, parents back home are deeply worried. Many students have been unable to contact their families as phone calls are not going through, further adding to the distress.

Speaking to this newspaper, AISMA vice-president Dr Mohammad Momim Khan said students were desperately seeking help. “Every Indian student wants to return immediately. Some were crying over the phone as they do not have money for air tickets, which cost around Rs 30,000. Parents are willing to send the money, but it is not possible as all financial channels are blocked. We urge the Prime Minister and the Ministry of External Affairs to intervene and bring the students back safely,” he said.

Aga Mehmood, a government employee from Srinagar, said both his daughters are studying in Tehran — one in her third year of MBBS at Tehran Institute of Medical Sciences and the other at Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences (SBUMS). “The advisory has filled both parents and students with fear. While my daughters have money for tickets, many students do not. Parents here are willing to bear the expenses but need the Ministry to facilitate their safe return,” he said.

He added that while his elder daughter was already planning to return home on January 20 with her exit visa in place, his younger daughter at SBUMS is facing serious issues. “The university requires students to submit their passports to the Iranian government. Exams have now been put on hold, but the university is insisting that students complete them and leave only by January 20, without understanding the gravity of the situation. Over 500 Indian students at SBUMS do not yet have exit visas,” he said.

Sirajuddin Taq, a resident of Baramulla, expressed concern over his son, a third-year student at SBUMS. “My son managed to call me using a local phone. We cannot call them back. He said the Indian Embassy is expected to hold talks with university officials regarding the return of passports,” he said.

Parents also pointed out that no Indian airline operates direct flights to Iran, and students generally rely on Mahan Air for travel, further complicating evacuation efforts.

The families have urged the Ministry of External Affairs to act swiftly and coordinate with Iranian authorities and universities to ensure the safe and timely return of Indian students.