Indian Students in Iran Being Evacuated to Armenia for Safe Return, Says Jammu and Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah announced that students from the union territory studying in Iran are being relocated to Armenia. From there, they will be brought back home. Abdullah has been in constant communication with the Ministry of External Affairs. He spoke with Foreign Minister S Jaishankar, who assured him that students would first be evacuated from high-risk areas like Tehran and Isfahan.

The initial plan was to move the students to Qum, a safer location. However, due to the closure of airports and ports, they are being transported overland to Armenia for their safe return. Abdullah expressed concerns about the Amarnath Yatra route being declared as no-fly zones, questioning why helicopter services for pilgrims were not permitted this time.

Evacuation Plan and Concerns

Abdullah mentioned that the decision to restrict helicopter services could send a negative message across the country about Jammu and Kashmir's situation. "We also want the yatra to conclude peacefully and well. One thing is strange that this time helicopter services are not being allowed which is sending a wrong message across the country," he stated.

He further added, "I don't have intelligence inputs on the basis of which such a decision was taken, but I think this is for the first time in so many years that helicopter services are not being allowed from Pahalgam and Baltal." This decision might create misconceptions about safety in the region.

Tourism Revival Efforts

Addressing questions about reopening parks at tourist spots closed after the April 22 Pahalgam attack, Abdullah welcomed the move. "We were trying this for so many days now because it was strange that while trying to revive tourism here, we were keeping half of Kashmir closed," he remarked.

The reopening of these destinations is seen as a positive step towards reviving tourism in the region. Abdullah expressed hope that tourists would start returning as these areas gradually open up.

The chief minister's efforts reflect a focus on ensuring student safety abroad while also addressing local tourism challenges. The evacuation plan aims to bring students home safely amid regional tensions, while local measures aim to boost tourism confidence.

With inputs from PTI