Srinagar, March 9, KNT: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader Zuhaib Yousuf Mir on Monday expressed concern over reports that Indian students stranded in Iran are being asked to travel to Armenia and arrange their own flights to New Delhi at high costs.
Mir said the reported travel arrangement could impose a heavy financial burden on students, many of whom may not be able to afford the expenses.
The PDP leader raised the issue while urging the Government of India to intervene and ensure safe and affordable evacuation of the students.
“Reports from Indian students stranded in Iran are deeply concerning. They’re being told to travel to Armenia and then arrange their own flights to Delhi costing nearly ₹1.5 lakh per ticket, apart from visa costs,” Mir said.
He said a large number of students remain stranded in different Iranian cities, including around 600 students reportedly in Qom.
Mir also said other students are studying in various universities across Iran and may also be affected by the situation.
Referring to previous evacuation efforts, he said India had spent substantial resources during the Ukraine crisis to bring back its citizens.
“During the Ukraine crisis, India spent over ₹116 crore to bring back its citizens,” he said.
Mir said evacuating approximately 1,200 to 1,300 students from Iran would cost around ₹20 crore, which he described as a manageable amount considering the safety of citizens.
“Students should not be pressured to pay such huge sums in a crisis. We pay taxes expecting protection and support in emergencies,” he said.
The PDP leader also said that several students from Jammu and Kashmir are among those currently stranded.
He appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and the Office of the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir to intervene and facilitate a safe evacuation process.
Mir urged authorities to take urgent steps to ensure that all stranded students are able to return safely without facing financial hardship. [KNT]
