Srinagar, March 25: MP, Chowdry Mohammad Ramzan, today called on Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Hon’ble Minister of External Affairs, at Parliament House and raised serious concerns regarding students from Jammu and Kashmir stranded amid the ongoing tensions involving Iran, Israel and the United States.
The MP specifically highlighted the plight of students who have been moved from sensitive and conflict-affected areas of Iran to the Astara border point between Iran and Azerbaijan. He informed that these students are currently stranded at the border in extremely distressing conditions, as they have not been provided the required exit codes or clearance to cross into Azerbaijan.
He apprised the Hon’ble Minister that the situation on the ground is worsening, with students facing acute shortages of food, basic necessities and shelter. Many of them are exhausted, anxious and uncertain about their safety, with no clear communication or assistance.
He further brought to the Minister’s notice that several students are facing serious monetary difficulties, having already exhausted their resources. Due to the non-issuance of exit codes, many have missed their pre-booked flights, adding to their distress and financial burden. The MP also highlighted that, stranded individuals are being processed or allowed to cross in very small groups of 5–6 persons at a time, leading to further delays and uncertainty. He conveyed that the families back home in Jammu and Kashmir are deeply distressed, living in constant fear and anguish over the well-being of their children.
He urged the Hon’ble Minister to immediately intervene and ensure that exit codes are issued without delay so that these stranded students can safely cross the border. He further stressed that, given the gravity of the situation, the Government should consider arranging special flights or dedicated evacuation aircraft to bring the stranded students back home safely and at the earliest.
Responding to the concerns, the Hon’ble Minister assured full support and stated that the Ministry of External Affairs is closely monitoring the evolving situation. He further conveyed that the Government of India is in active coordination with the Indian Embassy in Baku and other missions to facilitate the grant of necessary exit codes and ensure safe passage of the stranded students.
He also informed that the Ministry is in continuous touch with the Embassy of Azerbaijan in India, and that he has already taken up the matter at the diplomatic level, including calling upon the Ambassador, and will continue to pursue the issue to secure early clearances and ensure the safe and timely return of all affected students.
