Omar Abdullah speaks to S Jaishankar over J&K residents in Iran

Srinagar: Chief minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday said he spoke with external affairs minister S Jaishankar about the evolving situation in Iran and was assured of the safety and security of students from J&K, currently in Iran.

The J&K government also nominated an officer for coordination with the concerned agencies in respect of the students and residents of J&K, currently in Iran. Additional resident commissioner of J&K government in Delhi, Anil Sharma, has been assigned the job of providing information, coordination and necessary interventions related to safety, welfare and travel of residents and students from J&K in Iran.

"Just spoke to EAM S Jaishankar ji about the evolving situation in Iran. He shared his assessment of the ground situation and the plans that the external affairs ministry is working on. I'm grateful for his assurance that all steps will be taken to safeguard the interests and lives of students and other people from J&K who are in Iran now," Abdullah informed.


In Kashmir, parents of the students currently pursuing higher education in Iran had gathered in Srinagar and requested the prime minister, EAM, chief minister and lieutenant governor of J&K to intervene and ensure the safe return of these students as was done during the Iran-Israel conflict in 2025.

Former chief minister of J&K Mehbooba Mufti also shared the concerns of the parents and family members of citizens currently stranded in Iran.

A concerned parent, whose daughter is pursuing MBBS in Iran, told ET that he has not been able to speak with her daughter for several days due to an internet shutdown. "She is in the city of Shiraz but ISD calls are rarely going through. Some students have managed to speak to their families but are fearful of the situation worsening," he said. Some students have managed to send audio and video notes to their families in Kashmir, reassuring them of their safety but also expressing concern over the uncertainty and chaos unfolding around them.