Operation Sindhu: Successful Evacuation but Troubling Transport Issues for J&K Students

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah announced that 400 Indian students, primarily from Jammu and Kashmir, have been evacuated from conflict-stricken Iran under Operation Sindhu. However, concerns have been raised regarding the substandard condition of buses arranged for their travel from Delhi to J&K, prompting swift action from local authorities.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah emphasized the collective responsibility to evacuate Indian nationals from Iran, including hundreds of students from Jammu and Kashmir, as he discussed the matter with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. He revealed the initiation of strategies to ensure safe returns.

Abdullah confirmed that discussions with Minister Jaishankar had started days earlier, leading to the execution of a strategic plan for evacuation. "Our children went to Iran for education, but with the worsening situation, evacuation became imperative. Today, around 400 students are returning. There are about 1,300 students from J&K in Iran and approximately 6,000-8,000 Indians in total," he explained.

Concerns rose as evacuated students reported poor conditions of buses arranged for transporting them from Delhi to J&K. Abdullah's office noted student feedback and tasked the Resident Commissioner with ensuring better transport arrangements. The Operation Sindhu evacuation proceeded smoothly, but transport issues linger as a serious concern.

(With inputs from agencies.)