SRINAGAR (KIMS) — Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) National Convenor Nasir Khuehami has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging immediate intervention to safeguard Indian students in Iran following a sharp escalation in military hostilities.
In a detailed letter addressed to the Prime Minister on Friday, Khuehami expressed “profound concern” over the volatile and life-threatening security situation in the Islamic Republic of Iran after major strikes were reportedly launched by Israeli Defence Forces on Iranian territory, including areas in and around Tehran.
He said multiple explosions were reported in the Iranian capital on February 28, triggering emergency measures, airspace disruptions and heightened risks to civilian populations amid fears of further escalation.
Khuehami stated that the rapidly evolving security environment has created fear and uncertainty among thousands of foreign nationals, including Indian students studying in various Iranian cities. A significant number of these students are from the Kashmir Valley and are pursuing MBBS and allied medical courses in Iranian universities.
According to the letter, the students are currently facing restricted mobility, communication uncertainties and the looming threat of further hostilities.
Referring to advisories reportedly issued on February 23 urging Indian nationals to leave Iran in view of rising tensions, Khuehami said a considerable number of students have been unable to depart due to ongoing semester examinations and two Iran-wide national examinations scheduled for March 5.
These include the Uloompaya (Comprehensive Basic Science Examination) and the Pre-Internship Examination conducted under the supervision of Iran’s Ministry of Health and Medical Education. He noted that these examinations are mandatory academic milestones critical for progression in medical education.
“In the absence of any formal notification regarding postponement or deferment, students fear that leaving the country could jeopardise their academic future and years of sustained effort,” the letter reads.
Khuehami said students are caught in a distressing dilemma choosing between personal safety in a conflict-affected region and safeguarding their academic continuity. He added that the lack of uniform and timely communication from certain institutions regarding examination schedules has compounded anxiety and confusion.
Highlighting intermittent communication disruptions, transportation constraints and uncertainty surrounding travel routes, he said independent evacuation has become extremely difficult.
He urged coordinated diplomatic engagement and structured contingency planning to ensure the safe movement and possible evacuation of Indian nationals, should conditions deteriorate further.
He also drew attention to the emotional distress of parents and families in Kashmir, who are struggling to maintain consistent contact with their children amid growing fears.
Seeking urgent intervention, Khuehami called for robust coordination between the Ministry of External Affairs, the Embassy of India in Tehran, Iranian authorities and university administrations to establish clear communication channels, secure formal postponement of national examinations where necessary, and activate a comprehensive contingency framework.
“No student should be forced to choose between life and education in the midst of armed hostilities,” he stated, adding that JKSA stands ready to extend full cooperation by sharing verified student data and assisting authorities with coordination efforts. — (KIMS)