Srinagar: Ninety-four students from Jammu and Kashmir, evacuated from Iran, arrived safely in Delhi. While they expressed gratitude to the Centre, many voiced dissatisfaction with the buses arranged by the Omar Abdullah-led government for their return to the Union Territory.
Several students shared photos after boarding the buses in Delhi, criticising the quality of the transport provided for their journey home.
Responding to the concerns, the office of J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah posted on X, “The Chief Minister has taken note of the request of the students evacuated from Iran regarding the quality of buses arranged to transport them from Delhi to J&K. The Resident Commissioner has been tasked with coordinating with the JKRTC to ensure proper deluxe buses are arranged."
Earlier, CM Omar Abdullah had written, “94 of our students evacuated from Iran have safely reached Delhi. The govt is making transport arrangements for their smooth journey home, which will be in place within the next few hours.”
The Chief Minister had also spoken with Foreign Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to ensure the safety of the students stranded in Iran.
Kashmiri Shia leader and MP Aga Syed Ruhullah earlier stated that Israel had struck a hostel housing Kashmiri students, leaving some with minor injuries.
In response, the Ministry of External Affairs has arranged the evacuation of Indian students from Iran and is working to ensure the safety of Indian professionals—including doctors, engineers, and others—working there.
A significant number of Kashmiri students pursue medical education in Iran, reflecting the deep religious and cultural ties between the Shia-majority populations of Kashmir and Iran. Many of Kashmir’s Shia scholars have also received their religious training there.
Religious leaders across sects—both Sunni and Shia—have condemned the Israeli strikes on Iran and urged an immediate end to hostilities. The conflict between Iran and Israel has intensified, with both sides launching missile attacks that have affected civilians.