A group of 110 Indian students, recently evacuated from conflict-stricken Iran under Operation Sindhu, have raised concerns over the quality of transportation arranged for their return to Jammu and Kashmir from Delhi. While grateful for their safe evacuation amid the worsening Israel-Iran conflict, the students say the condition of the buses provided for their onward journey was inadequate, adding further strain after their traumatic experience abroad.
The students, all from Urmia Medical University in Iran, were evacuated through a complex route involving land transit to Armenia, followed by a flight to Delhi via Doha. They were received in the capital by Ministry of External Affairs officials as part of a mission that demonstrated India’s swift diplomatic and logistical coordination in crisis response.However, the momentary relief turned to discomfort when students encountered the state-arranged buses meant to carry them home. Some described the vehicles as poorly maintained and unfit for long-distance travel. “We are tired and it’s difficult for us to travel back to our homes in such buses,” said a student from Kashmir. She called upon the Jammu and Kashmir government to arrange more suitable transport.
Another student recounted how a missile had landed near their bus during their evacuation from Tehran, underscoring the danger they had narrowly escaped. “We were terrified, but the Indian embassy ensured we got out safely,” he said, adding that the ordeal was mentally and physically exhausting.Responding to the students’ complaints, the office of Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah issued a statement saying that the administration had taken note of their concerns. The Resident Commissioner in Delhi has been tasked with coordinating with the Jammu and Kashmir State Road Transport Corporation (JKRTC) to provide deluxe buses for the students’ journey back home.
This episode highlights the importance of not just executing timely evacuations from conflict zones but also ensuring that returning citizens are treated with dignity throughout the process. The students’ experience brings attention to the often-overlooked aspects of repatriation logistics, particularly when state-level infrastructure and services are called upon to support central government efforts.According to the students, the disruption caused by the Israel-Iran conflict has taken a toll on their education as well. Many are anxious to return to their universities to resume practical coursework that has been put on hold. The urgency to return to academic normalcy is echoed across India’s Iranian student community, which numbers in the thousands—many of them from Jammu and Kashmir.
The broader geopolitical backdrop is equally tense. The conflict escalated following Israel’s “Operation Rising Lion,” a military campaign launched against Iranian targets over fears of nuclear weapon development. The resulting cross-border strikes have claimed hundreds of lives, with Iran suffering the highest toll. As the crisis deepens, India’s diplomatic missions continue to monitor the situation closely, preparing for further evacuations if needed.
While the evacuation was a logistical success, the experience has revealed gaps in the state’s ability to provide adequate follow-through once citizens reach Indian soil. For the students still in Delhi, the hope is not just to return home, but to do so with the care and dignity befitting those who’ve endured a harrowing ordeal abroad.
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