Parents of Indian students, especially those from Jammu and Kashmir, stranded at Urmia University in Iran, have demanded their immediate and safe return following repeated explosions near their dormitory. There appears to be no resolution in sight to the ongoing US–Iran conflict.
A medical science student at the university said in a video message, “There has been an attack. The situation deteriorated rapidly while we were attending classes and providing services in hospitals. Therefore, we could not leave immediately.”
Parents said that although some students were recently relocated from Tehran to Qom as a precautionary step by the Indian embassy in Tehran, the overall security environment remains deeply alarming, as the entire country is under attack.
“There is a widespread sense of fear and helplessness. Even after relocation, no place appears safe at the moment,” said a parent from Srinagar.
Fresh reports of loud explosions, including one near a student dormitory in Urmia, have intensified anxiety among the students. They said that areas around universities have been affected, with some buildings reportedly struck, leaving students shaken and traumatised.
Students relocated to Qom have also reported hearing explosions shortly after their arrival, raising serious concerns about the effectiveness of internal relocation as a safety measure.
“Our children are extremely scared. Explosions near their hostels have left them mentally disturbed. They are unable to sleep or focus on their studies. We fear for their lives every moment,” another distressed parent said.
University officials have reportedly asked Indian students to leave via the Armenian border. The students are extremely frightened and are constantly seeking help. Explosions have also been reported in Qom.
Take immediate steps to evacuate students
Khan stated that there are more than two dozen students at Urmia University, including several from Jammu and Kashmir. Parents have urged the Indian government to take immediate steps to evacuate the students through the nearby borders.
On Wednesday, the parents met the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Omar Abdullah, who assured them that he would do everything possible to ensure the safe evacuation of the students from Iran.
A day after Indian students were evacuated from Tehran to Qom as a precautionary measure on Tuesday, they reported fresh explosions at their new location, further fuelling fear and anxiety. For their comfort and well-being in Qom, they have been accommodated in a secure hotel and provided with Indian food.
Parents said that “every corner of Iran is in danger.” They appealed to the Indian government to ensure the safe evacuation of Kashmiri students stranded in the country amid the escalating Israel–Iran conflict. They also met the Deputy Commissioner of Srinagar.
Altaf Ahmed, father of a stranded student, said, “We are grateful for the efforts of the Ministry of External Affairs, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, who moved our children from Tehran to what was believed to be a safer zone. But every corner of Iran is in danger.”
“The stranded students, businessmen, and pilgrims are at extreme risk. We want our children to be evacuated safely. We are even ready to pay for their tickets,” he added.
Mohammad Ashraf Bhat, whose daughter Ronak is pursuing MBBS in Iran, urged the Central Government and the Ministry of External Affairs to take immediate steps to evacuate the students.
The Indian Embassy in Tehran has issued emergency helpline numbers: 989128109115, 989128109109, 989128109102, and 989932179359.
Control room set up for assistance
Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs has set up a control room to assist those affected by the growing crisis in West Asia and the Gulf region. The control room will operate from 9 am to 9 pm.
The Ministry stated that approximately 10 million Indian citizens live in West Asia, and their safety and well-being remain a top priority for New Delhi.
“In view of the current situation in West Asia and the Gulf region, a control room has been set up in the Ministry of External Affairs,” the MEA said.
The Ministry further stated that the Centre is in close contact with governments in the region as well as other key stakeholders and will continue to closely monitor the situation.
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