Indian Students Fearful as Israel-Iran Conflict Intensifies
As the conflict between Israel and Iran escalates alarmingly, Indian students stranded in Tehran find themselves engulfed in fear and uncertainty. Many are confined to basements, struggling with limited communication due to weak internet signals, while anxiously awaiting evacuation assistance.
Life Under Siege: Stories from Tehran
For Mehreen Zaffar, a third-year medical student at Tehran University of Medical Sciences, each siren triggers a surge of panic. She describes the situation in the Iranian capital as a constant shadow of war, where safety feels fragile and fleeting. "We are scared. We have been calling for help but nothing is happening," she said with a trembling voice, highlighting the emotional toll on students.
Currently taking refuge in a basement as a safety measure, Mehreen adds, "Iran is on black alert. We do not know what is happening. Since the internet is weak, we are unable to contact our family members, who are worried sick back home." She represents over 70 Indian students still awaiting evacuation from a region becoming increasingly volatile.
Hope for Evacuation Driven by Diplomatic Efforts
Despite the prevailing fear, students like Mehreen are placing their hopes on government-led evacuation flights. "We want evacuation. We have full hopes from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and need help. We cannot stay like this," she emphasized.
Meanwhile, Faizan Nabi, a 21-year-old student from Kerman University of Medical Sciences, described the situation in his city as tense but less severe compared to Tehran. "The situation is not as bad here as in Tehran. But there is still fear. We are hoping to be relocated to a safe place soon," he said, already preparing to move.
Successful Evacuations Offer a Ray of Relief
There is some good news amidst the turmoil. Several students have safely crossed the Iranian-Armenian border, thanks to coordinated diplomatic efforts. Huzaif Malik, formerly at Urmia University of Medical Sciences, recently reached Armenia after evacuation, sharing, "We were in Urmia, which was relatively safe, but now we have reached Armenia."
In total, over 110 Indian students have been evacuated to Armenia and are currently lodged in hotels in Yerevan, Armenia's capital. They are scheduled to fly back to Delhi soon, with all travel arrangements handled by Indian authorities.
Continued Support from Indian Embassy and Authorities
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has confirmed that the embassy in Iran remains in constant contact with the Indian community, providing assistance and monitoring the situation closely. Families back home continue to watch anxiously as efforts unfold to ensure the safe return of their loved ones.
The plight of these students highlights the wider human cost of geopolitical tensions and underscores the importance of timely diplomatic interventions in crisis zones.
