Daijiworld Media Network- New Delhi

New Delhi, Jun 19: In a dramatic turn of relief and disappointment, 110 Indian students from Jammu and Kashmir, who were recently evacuated from violence-hit Iran, arrived in New Delhi early Wednesday and expressed gratitude towards the Indian government for ensuring their safe return. However, the joy of reunion was marred by concerns over the poor condition of buses arranged by the Jammu and Kashmir government for their onward journey home.

These students, primarily enrolled at Urmia Medical University in Iran, became the first batch to be airlifted amidst escalating tensions in the Middle East. Their travel route included a complex and urgent transit through Armenia and Doha before finally landing in the national capital after a delay of nearly three hours.

The latest round of conflict in the Middle East had sparked panic across the student community and their families back home. With an estimated 13,000 Indian students studying in Iran—many of them hailing from Jammu and Kashmir—worry had gripped the region. In response, families and civil society groups in Kashmir staged multiple protests, urging swift action from the central government.

While acknowledging the prompt action taken by the Centre and the Ministry of External Affairs, students voiced their dissatisfaction over the ground-level support in India. “We are thankful to the Indian authorities for rescuing us at the right time. But the buses provided for our travel to Jammu and Kashmir were in a miserable state—worn out, cramped and unfit for such a long journey,” said one of the evacuees.

Several students echoed the same sentiment, highlighting the need for better coordination between central and state agencies in such critical operations. The parents, although relieved, have called for immediate intervention from the Jammu and Kashmir administration to address the concerns raised by their children.

As the situation in Iran remains volatile, the Indian government is closely monitoring developments and is expected to chalk out further evacuation plans for the remaining students stranded in the region.