The harrowing experiences of Indian students stranded in Iran amidst escalating tensions between Israel and Iran have come to light, with one Noida student recounting the terrifying ordeal before being rescued and flown back to India as part of "Operation Sindhu." The student's story encapsulates the fear and uncertainty faced by many Indian nationals in the region, highlighting the urgent need for evacuation efforts.
As hostilities intensified, students found themselves caught in the crossfire, witnessing missile strikes and drone activity that instilled a sense of constant fear. One student, a resident of Srinagar and a third-year MBBS student in Tehran, recounted how the rescue operation commenced amidst heavy bombing in Tehran. He described a journey involving a bus ride to Qom, followed by a grueling 14-hour bus journey to Mashhad, from where they finally boarded a plane to safety.
The student from Noida, like many others, had been pursuing his studies in Iran when the conflict erupted. The sudden escalation of violence caught them off guard, transforming their academic environment into a zone of potential danger. The student vividly recalls the sounds of explosions and the sight of rockets and drones flying across the city, painting a picture of the chaos and anxiety that gripped the Indian community. Communication with worried families back home became a lifeline, even as the students themselves grappled with the uncertainty of their situation.
Operation Sindhu, launched by the Indian government, has been instrumental in bringing these students back to safety. The operation involved complex logistics, including coordinating with Iranian authorities to secure safe passage and arranging flights from neighboring countries like Armenia, since Iranian airspace was initially closed. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) played a crucial role in facilitating the evacuation, ensuring the safe movement of students from conflict zones to designated exit points.
The first flight carrying approximately 110 students, mostly from Jammu and Kashmir, landed in Delhi on June 19th, bringing relief to anxious families who had been waiting for days. Many of these students had been moved out of Tehran to Armenia via land routes. Further demonstrating cooperation, Iran eased airspace restrictions for three charter flights to evacuate around 1,000 Indian nationals who were moved to safer places from Tehran. A flight carrying 290 Indian students, primarily from Jammu and Kashmir, landed in Delhi from Mashhad, Iran, after Tehran opened its airspace. Another flight carrying Indians, arrived at Delhi Airport from Turkmenistan's Ashgabat early Saturday morning.
The safe return of these students has been met with immense relief and gratitude. Parents have expressed their heartfelt appreciation to the Indian government for their swift action and tireless efforts in ensuring the safety of their children. The students themselves have shared stories of the support they received from the Indian Embassy officials, who provided them with food, shelter, and guidance during their evacuation. However, concerns remain for those students who are still stranded in Iran, and families have urged the authorities to continue their efforts until everyone is brought back home safely.
The experience has undoubtedly left a lasting impact on these students, who have witnessed firsthand the devastating consequences of conflict. While they are grateful to be back on Indian soil, the memories of the fear and uncertainty they endured in Iran will likely stay with them for a long time. As they reunite with their families and begin to rebuild their lives, they carry with them a renewed appreciation for the value of peace and security.
