Kashmiri students safely back to Delhi from Iran, flag poor bus quality to reach home in J&K

IANS June 19, 2025 304 views

Kashmiri students evacuated from Iran have safely arrived in Delhi but raised concerns over the poor quality of buses provided for their journey home. Omar Abdullah's government responded by promising better transport arrangements after criticism. The evacuation was coordinated amid rising tensions between Iran and Israel, where Kashmiri students faced minor injuries in strikes. Both Sunni and Shia leaders in Kashmir have condemned the hostilities.

"The Chief Minister has taken note of the request... proper deluxe buses will be arranged" – Omar Abdullah
Srinagar, June 19: Ninety-four students belonging to Jammu and Kashmir were evacuated from Iran and reached Delhi safely. While they thanked the Centre for the help, the students expressed displeasure over the buses provided by the Omar Abdullah government to take them home from the national capital.

Key Points

1

94 Kashmiri students evacuated from Iran reach Delhi safely

2

Students criticize poor-quality buses arranged by J&K govt

3

Omar Abdullah assures better transport after backlash

4

MEA coordinates evacuation amid Iran-Israel tensions

After they boarded the buses for J&K in Delhi, some students posted pictures alleging the poor quality of buses made available to them to return home in the union territory.

Following these complaints, office of J&K chief minister, Omar Abdullah said on X, “The Chief Minister has taken note of the request of the students evacuated from Iran regarding the quality of buses arranged to transport them from Delhi to J&K. The Resident Commissioner has been tasked with coordinating with the JKRTC to ensure proper deluxe buses are arranged."

CM Omar Abdullah earlier said on X, “94 of our students evacuated from Iran have safely reached Delhi. Govt is making transport arrangements for their smooth journey home, which will be in place within the next few hours”.

The CM had earlier spoken to Foreign Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, requesting the safety of J&K students stuck in Iran.

Kashmiri Shia leader and MP, Aga Syed Ruhullah, had said earlier that Israel had hit a hostel occupied by Kashmiri students, and some students sustained minor injuries in that strike.

The MEA has made arrangements to evacuate all Indian students from Iran and also ensure the safety of Indian professionals engaged in various professions as doctors, engineers, etc., in Iran.

A good number of Kashmiri students are studying medicine in Iran. The Valley has a sizeable Shia Muslim population with close religious affinity with the predominantly Shia Muslim majority of Iran.

Most of the Shia scholars of Kashmir have had their religious learning in Iran. Both Sunni and Shia Muslim religious leaders of Kashmir have condemned Israeli strikes against Iran.

They have called for the immediate cessation of hostilities from both sides. Iran and Israel are locked in the worst hostilities against each other, and both countries have carried out missile strikes against civilians.

Reader Comments

Here are 6 diverse Indian perspective comments for the article:
R
Rajesh K.
First of all, kudos to MEA for bringing our students back safely! 🇮🇳 But seriously J&K govt, is this how you treat students returning from a war zone? Basic decent transport is the least we can provide. Hope the deluxe buses reach them soon.
P
Priya M.
The students should be more grateful. At least they're home safe! Many Indians are stuck in worse conditions abroad. The government did its job by evacuating them - complaining about bus quality seems petty when people are dying in that conflict zone.
A
Arjun S.
This shows poor coordination between Centre and J&K administration. When MEA did their part perfectly, why couldn't the state govt arrange proper transport? Students went through trauma abroad - they deserve comfort on their way home.
S
Sunita R.
As someone whose cousin studies in Iran, I'm relieved they're back safe. But this incident raises questions - why so many Kashmiri students in Iran? Shouldn't our own medical colleges be improved so students don't need to go to conflict-prone regions?
V
Vikram J.
The real story here is how efficiently India evacuated its citizens while Iran-Israel tensions peaked. That's what makes me proud as an Indian. The bus issue is just administrative teething trouble - at least CM responded quickly to complaints.
N
Neha T.
While I'm glad they're safe, I hope our students realize how privileged they are to get government assistance. Many Indian workers in Gulf countries face worse situations but get no help. Maybe we need a better policy for all Indians abroad, not just students.

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