Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], June 19: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has responded to concerns raised by students evacuated from conflict-hit Iran regarding the poor quality of buses arranged to transport them from Delhi to their home state.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Chief Minister’s Office said, “The Chief Minister has taken note of the request of the students evacuated from Iran regarding the quality of buses arranged to transport them from Delhi to J&K. The Resident Commissioner has been tasked with coordinating with the JKRTC to ensure proper deluxe buses are arranged.”
The students, who returned under Operation Sindhu—India’s mission to evacuate its nationals from the deteriorating security situation in Iran—expressed dissatisfaction with the transportation arranged upon their arrival in Delhi.
“The buses that have been provided are in such bad condition that even animals will not travel in them,” one student told ANI. “Our safety could be compromised. We’re thankful to the central government for a smooth evacuation, but now we are facing issues here in Delhi.”
Operation Sindhu was launched by the Indian government to safely bring home Indian nationals amid intensifying conflict between Iran and Israel. So far, over 100 Indian students have been evacuated.
Many of the returning students praised the government’s efforts. Sheikh Afsa, a student on board the flight carrying 110 evacuees, said, “We didn’t even expect this much. The government evacuated us from our dormitories. Every step was smooth, and we are grateful.”
While expressing relief at being back in India, students also shared their concerns over their academic future and the grave situation in Iran, describing the atmosphere there as tense and fearful.