I am fine, don’t take tension… message from Indian student studying in Iran to her family, ground reality told in video

New Delhi. Amidst the ongoing violent protests and internet shutdown in Iran, the concerns of family members regarding the safety of Indian students studying there have increased. Meanwhile, a video message of a Kashmiri student studying medicine in Iran has surfaced, in which she reassures her family and says- “I am fine, you guys don’t take too much tension.”

The student recorded this video from her friend’s phone and sent it because due to the internet being shut down, she was not able to contact her family directly. In the video she says, “Assalaamualaikum Ammi-Abbu, how are you all? I am fine here, eating and drinking well and I also have money. There are protests here, but I stay inside the hostel only.”

Situation worsened due to violent protests
Iran has been in the grip of violent protests for the last two weeks. The situation is becoming increasingly serious. According to reports, more than 2,500 people have died so far. In view of the situation, the Indian government has advised its citizens to leave Iran. Due to the shutdown of internet services, communication between the Indian students living there and their families has almost been lost.

Concern among family members, appeal to government
There is an atmosphere of uneasiness especially among the parents of Jammu and Kashmir, because a large number of students are studying medicine in Iran. Talking to the media in Srinagar, family members said that due to internet being shut down, they are neither able to talk to their children nor send them money. He has demanded the safe return of the students from the Central Government and the Ministry of External Affairs.

Students safe, but contact is a big challenge
Dr. Mohammad Momin, vice president of All India Medical Students Association (AIMSA) and FAIMA Doctors Association, said that despite the internet being shut down, many students have contacted through alternative methods. Some students had gone near the Iraq border due to security reasons and from there they informed about their safety through text messages.

About 3,000 Indian students in Iran
According to Dr. Momin, currently around 3,000 Indian students are studying in Iran, out of which more than 2,000 are in medical courses like MBBS and BDS. Of these, about 1,800 students are from Jammu and Kashmir. He said that he is in constant touch with the students and is monitoring the situation.

Indian Embassy Advisory
The Indian Embassy has issued an advisory for the students and advised them to stay in hostels, limit themselves to indoor activities and not go out without any need. The Embassy has said that there is no need to panic at the moment and the safety of the students is being given priority.

Classes and examinations suspended till 24th January
In view of the current situation, classes and examinations have been postponed till January 24 in Iran. However, due to internet shutdown, both studies and contact with family are being affected. Dr. Momin said that a separate WhatsApp group has been created for parents, in which about 1,800 parents have joined, so that they can be given correct information and protected from rumours.

This message from the student that came out from Iran is definitely a relief for the family, but there is still concern about the situation becoming normal and safe return.