JKSA urges EAM Jaishankar to relocate students to safer places
Srinagar, Mar 05: Amid escalating tensions in parts of the Middle East, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said it is closely monitoring the situation involving Indian nationals in the region, while the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi has advised Indians in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to remain vigilant and follow local safety guidelines.
In an advisory issued on Thursday, the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi urged Indian nationals in the UAE to remain calm and adhere to instructions by authorities.
“In view of the prevailing situation in the United Arab Emirates and the region, all Indian nationals currently in the UAE are advised to remain vigilant, calm, adhere to the safety guidelines of the UAE authorities and follow official advisories issued from time to time,” the embassy said in an advisory available with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO).
The advisory noted that due to exceptional circumstances, UAE airspace and regular scheduled flight operations remain temporarily suspended.
It says, however, limited non-scheduled flights operated by Indian and UAE airlines have commenced to multiple destinations in India in coordination with UAE authorities, subject to operational approvals.
The embassy said stranded Indian nationals may avail these flights by contacting their respective airlines. It also noted that the UAE Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security has announced a waiver of overstay fines for visitors and others whose visas expired after February 28 due to the prevailing circumstances.
According to the advisory, the Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General of India in Dubai, along with their outsourced passport, consular and visa services, continue to function normally.
Indian nationals facing any issues have been advised to contact the embassy’s 24×7 helpline, including the toll-free number 800-46342 and WhatsApp number +971 543090571, or send queries through email to [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]) and [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]).
Meanwhile, reports of airstrikes in the northwestern Iranian city of Urmia have triggered panic among Indian students studying at Urmia University, including several from Jammu and Kashmir.
The Jammu & Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) said explosions occurred close to the university dormitories, with students reporting that a recent strike took place nearly 300 metres from their boys’ hostels, shaking the buildings and causing alarm among residents.
In a statement, JKSA National Convenor Nasir Khuehami said the association has been in contact with several Kashmiri students who described the situation as tense and frightening.
“The situation on the ground is extremely volatile. Students are frightened and anxious, and fighter jets can reportedly be heard frequently, creating an atmosphere of constant fear and uncertainty,” he said.
The association has urged External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar to take immediate steps to facilitate the relocation of Indian students, particularly those from Jammu and Kashmir, to safer locations until evacuation becomes possible.
The Government of India, the advisory added, continues to attach the highest importance to the safety and well-being of Indians abroad and is closely monitoring developments in the region. (KNO)
