The escalating conflict between Israel and Iran has forced thousands of Indian students to witness scenes of war and destruction, leading to a large-scale evacuation effort named "Operation Sindhu." These students, primarily from Jammu and Kashmir, were pursuing various educational opportunities in Iran when the hostilities intensified, turning their academic pursuits into a desperate struggle for safety.
Many students recount harrowing experiences of being caught amidst the conflict. Sirens blared constantly, warning of incoming airstrikes, and the sounds of explosions filled the air. One student, Mizban, described seeing dead bodies and witnessing airstrikes, painting a grim picture of the reality they faced. The constant threat of aerial bombardments forced them to relocate multiple times, moving from Tehran to Qom, about 150 kilometers south, and finally to Mashhad, closer to the Turkmenistan border, as they sought safer havens.
The evacuation route itself was a journey fraught with anxiety. While the exact details of the 450 km evacuation route aren't explicitly outlined, it's understood that the students were moved from Tehran to Qom, and then onward to Mashhad. This journey likely involved road travel, navigating through regions potentially affected by the conflict. The logistics of moving large groups of students across such distances, while ensuring their safety, presented a significant challenge.
Adding to the complexity, Iran's airspace was largely closed due to the ongoing conflict. However, in a rare gesture of goodwill, Iranian authorities made an exception for India, allowing evacuation flights to operate. Mohammad Javad Hosseini, India's Deputy Chief of Mission in Tehran, acknowledged Iran's assistance, highlighting that it was offered despite the country grappling with its own crisis.
The first flight carrying 290 students landed in Delhi on Friday night, bringing relief to anxious families. As the students arrived, chants of "Bharat Mata ki Jai" and "Hindustan Zindabad" echoed through the airport, marking a jubilant homecoming. Operation Sindhu has so far brought back 827 Indian nationals via three charter flights, including one from Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. Further flights are expected, aiming to evacuate all Indian nationals who wish to return.
Despite the relief of being back home, uncertainty looms for many students. Some are unsure whether they will be able to resume their studies in Iran, while others are hesitant to return to a country teetering on the brink of further conflict. The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association has expressed gratitude to the Indian government for its efforts and has reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safe evacuation of all remaining students, especially those from vulnerable regions. The Ministry of External Affairs has stated that it is closely monitoring the situation and is committed to ensuring the safety and security of Indian nationals abroad.
