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J&K Appoints Liaison Officer for Students, Residents in Iran Amid Tensions

The Jammu and Kashmir government has appointed Anil Sharma as a coordination officer for residents and students from the UT currently in Iran. The officer will liaise with the Ministry of External Affairs and Indian missions to ensure their safety and welfare. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah discussed the situation with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, who provided assurances. PDP President Mehbooba Mufti also urged the central government to ensure the safe return of stranded Indians.

Key Points: J&K Appoints Officer for Citizens in Iran, Safety Coordination

  • Officer appointed for Iran coordination
  • Dozens of J&K students studying in Iran
  • CM Abdullah spoke to EAM Jaishankar
  • PDP's Mufti urges Centre for safety
2 min read

J&K govt appoints coordination and liaison officer for J&K residents/students in Iran

J&K government designates officer to coordinate with MEA for safety of students and residents in Iran. CM Omar Abdullah speaks to EAM Jaishankar.

"I'm grateful for his assurance that all steps will be taken to safeguard the interests & lives of students - Omar Abdullah"

Jammu, Jan 15

The J&K government on Thursday nominated a coordination and liaison officer with agencies concerned for residents and students of the UT presently residing/studying in Iran.

"In view of the prevailing situation in Iran, Anil Sharma, JKAS, Additional Resident Commissioner, Jammu and Kashmir government, New Delhi, is hereby designated for coordination and liaison with the concerned agencies in respect of residents and students presently residing/studying in Iran," an order issued by the General Administration Department said.

"The officer shall coordinate and liaise with the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India and the concerned embassy/consular authorities and other relevant agencies as may be required to facilitate information sharing, coordination and necessary interventions related to the safety, welfare and travel facilitation of the related matters of the residents/students of the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, in Iran."

There are dozens of students belonging to J&K studying different professional courses, including MBBS, in Iran. In addition, many pilgrims from J&K belonging to the Shia Muslim community are presently in Iran paying obeisance at places of reverence.

J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah spoke to External Affairs Minister S.Jaishankar on the issue.

"Just spoke to EAM @DrSJaishankar ji about the evolving situation in Iran. He shared his assessment of the ground situation & the plans that the External Affairs Ministry is working on. I'm grateful for his assurance that all steps will be taken to safeguard the interests & lives of students & other people from J&K who are in Iran now", Abdullah said in a post on X.

Opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President and former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti also urged the Centre to ensure the safety of Indian residents and students presently in Iran.

"Thousands of students from across the country including Kashmir are stranded in Iran amid the present volatile situation. This has triggered deep fear and anxiety with anguished parents desperately worried about their children's safety. Urge @DrSJaishankar and @MEAIndia to intervene urgently and ensure their safe return", she said in a post on X.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
This is good, but I hope the coordination is swift and effective on the ground. Often such appointments are just on paper. The parents must be going through hell. The MEA needs to have a clear evacuation plan ready.
R
Rohit P
Important to note many pilgrims are also there. It's not just students. The government must ensure safe passage for everyone from J&K, irrespective of why they are in Iran. Jai Hind.
M
Meera T
Glad to see both the current and former CMs are on the same page regarding citizen safety. Politics should take a backseat in such humanitarian matters. Hope Mr. Anil Sharma ji can facilitate quick help.
S
Sarah B
As someone with friends studying medicine abroad, this is a scary situation. The Indian government has a good record of evacuation during crises. Hoping for a swift and safe resolution for all involved.
V
Vikram M
A necessary administrative move. However, I respectfully think the focus should also be on creating more quality MBBS seats within India so our students don't have to take such risks in volatile regions for education.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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