SRINAGAR — Jammu and Kashmir Students Association here today urged Union External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar to take immediate measures and make special arrangements for the safe and secure evacuation of students from Jammu and Kashmiri stranded in war-hit Ukraine as tensions over a possible Russian invasion mounted.
In a statement, Association said that at least 180 students from Jammu and Kashmiri students are stuck in Ukraine. These students are studying in Ukraine in Colleges, Universities under professional and non-professional courses, and are stuck there at a time when the Russian Army has launched a massive military operation there as per reports.
These stranded students want to return back home at an earliest. Their families are deeply concerned and worried about their safety. We don’t have cash with us. Atm’s are not working. There is nothing left in supermarkets. We are so stressed & worried. No shops are open. They are saying Electricity will be cut off in the next few hours, consistent sounds of explosions, we booked a flight for return on 28th February which suddenly got cancelled. We want to reach home safe and sound, Khuehami said while quoting stranded Jammu and Kashmiri students.
Students are scared. Their lives are in danger. Their families in India are spending sleepless nights. The situation is worsening with every passing hour. J&K students association has also set up helpline numbers to assist students who are in distress. We have asked students to get in touch on their helpline numbers- 9149676014, 790634 8764, 8825005327, 7006228608 and submit their details. We are further coordinating with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinhas’ Media Advisor Yatish Yadav who is in constant touch with the Ministry of External Affairs for evacuation on a fast track basis, he added.
Khuehami urged the External affairs Ministry to intervene immediately to ensure their safety and to make arrangements for their safe return. Stranded students continue to be anxious. Several students have sent SoS to us, seeking help for safe evacuation given the tensions. We demand immediate airlifting by charting a special flight for Jammu and Kashmiri students as Situation in Ukraine is going from bad to worse. It is the responsibility of the government to bring these students from Ukraine safely, he added. — (KDC)