SRINAGAR: The first batch of nine Kashmiri students stranded in Iran amid the ongoing regional conflict returned home on Thursday, marking the beginning of the evacuation process.
Among the returnees was Saba, a resident of Safa Kadal in Downtown Srinagar, who was received by her family. “I’m feeling happy that I’ve finally reached home. I came along with eight other students from Iran,” she said.
Saba, however, expressed disappointment over the travel arrangements from Delhi to Srinagar. “After a long and exhausting journey, we expected better support from the government, but we were asked to travel in SRTC buses,” she said.
Earlier, the Office of the JK Chief Minister in a post on X said, CM Omar Abdullah had taken note of the issue and directed the Resident Commissioner to coordinate with JKRTC for sleeper buses. “The government is making arrangements for their smooth journey home.”
The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) also acknowledged the intervention. “While our primary demand remains connecting flights, we appreciate the prompt response and intervention by the CM’s advisor Nasir Aslam Wani Sahab, who ensured that sleeper buses were arranged,” the association said.
Families of other students still stranded in Iran have appealed to the administration to expedite the evacuation process. (JKNS)
