J&K CM Abdullah urges MEA to ensure the safety of Kashmiri students in Iran amid Israeli airstrikes. With tensions rising in the Middle East, Kashmiri families express deep concern.
In light of the escalating conflict in the Middle East, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has called on the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to take urgent steps to ensure the safety and well-being of Kashmiri students currently in Iran. His appeal comes in the aftermath of Israeli airstrikes that reportedly killed two high-ranking Iranian generals and nuclear scientists, triggering fears of a broader regional conflict.
Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), CM Omar Abdullah expressed deep concern for the Kashmiri students stranded in Iran amid the rapidly deteriorating security situation. “Requesting @MEAIndia to urgently ensure safety and well-being of Kashmiri students stuck in Iran. Their families are deeply worried and we stand with them in this difficult time. Every step must be taken to safeguard our students,” he posted.
The Chief Minister’s concern is shared widely across Jammu and Kashmir, especially in the Kashmir Valley, which has strong historical, religious, and educational ties with Iran. A significant number of Kashmiri students, particularly those studying medicine and professional courses, are enrolled in Iranian universities. Moreover, a considerable number of Kashmiri professionals, including doctors and engineers, are working across Iran.
The region’s deep-rooted religious and cultural affiliations with Iran, especially among the Shia Muslim community, have intensified local responses to the Israeli military action. Various Sunni and Shia organisations in the Kashmir Valley have issued strong condemnations of the Israeli airstrikes. These groups have come together in an uncommon display of unity to voice their collective outrage and concern over the developments.
Public sentiment in the Valley has been particularly sensitive to events in Iran due to the religious influence of high-ranking Shia scholars from the country. The interpretations and teachings of these scholars are closely followed by Shia Muslims in India, especially in Jammu and Kashmir, where the Shia population maintains religious and emotional bonds with Iran.
In the days following the attack, several religious organisations across the Kashmir Valley have held special meetings and prayer gatherings to condemn the Israeli actions. Leaders from both Sunni and Shia communities have jointly addressed congregations, underscoring the shared concern and expressing solidarity with the people of Iran.
The Israeli airstrikes, which occurred early Friday morning, have sharply escalated tensions in the already volatile Middle East. Israel has justified the strikes as a response to what it claims are increasing threats from Iran, especially regarding its nuclear programme. Tehran, on its part, has retaliated by launching over 100 drones toward Israeli targets, signalling a potentially dangerous escalation.
The international community has reacted with alarm. Several Arab nations have strongly condemned the Israeli action, while the United States has distanced itself, calling the attack a “unilateral action” and asserting that it had no involvement.
In Jammu and Kashmir, the geopolitical tension has translated into rising anxiety among families whose children are in Iran for education or employment. The local administration is under increasing pressure to coordinate with the central government and diplomatic missions to establish communication with Indian nationals in Iran and to ensure their safety.
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The Chief Minister’s proactive engagement highlights the urgent need for the Indian government to address the concerns of its citizens abroad, especially in regions experiencing conflict. With fears of a broader confrontation looming, safeguarding the lives of students and professionals becomes not just a matter of policy but a humanitarian obligation.
The government is expected to issue an official response soon, detailing the steps being taken to ensure the safety of Indian nationals in Iran. Meanwhile, calls for de-escalation and peace continue to echo from various quarters, including religious, political, and civil society groups in Jammu and Kashmir.
