Srinagar, Jan 25, KNT: The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) has sought urgent intervention of the Ministry of External Affairs over the plight of Indian students stranded in Iran amid escalating regional tensions, passport withholding, and what it termed academic coercion by university authorities.
In a formal representation addressed to the External Affairs Minister, JKSA said Indian students, a majority of whom are from Jammu and Kashmir, are facing severe psychological stress and mobility restrictions after authorities at Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences allegedly failed to return their passports despite repeated requests.
The association said the situation has worsened due to rapidly deteriorating regional security conditions, marked by heightened military preparedness, communication disruptions, and warnings of possible escalation. JKSA stated that the continued withholding of passports has effectively immobilised students who are willing to return home but remain unable to do so.
According to the association, while several universities across Iran have postponed academic activities and semester examinations until at least March 24 in view of prevailing instability, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences and Iran University of Medical Sciences are continuing with scheduled examinations. JKSA said forcing students to appear in exams under such circumstances is unreasonable and inhumane.
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The association said many students are living under constant fear, facing mental distress, and are being compelled to choose between academic requirements and personal safety. It added that the absence of institutional accountability and insistence on examinations during a crisis has aggravated the vulnerability of Indian students.
JKSA urged the Ministry of External Affairs to immediately engage with Iranian authorities and university administrations to ensure the return of students’ passports without delay and restoration of their freedom of movement. It also requested coordination with the Indian Embassy in Tehran to address academic coercion and secure relief measures, including postponement of examinations and flexibility in academic requirements.
The association further urged the government to keep contingency plans ready, including evacuation measures, should the security situation deteriorate further. It expressed confidence in the Ministry’s commitment to safeguarding the lives and dignity of Indian citizens abroad and said timely intervention would help alleviate anxiety among students and their families. [KNT]
