In light of continued shelling and drone threats along the India-Pakistan border, the governments of Tamil Nadu and Kerala have stepped up coordinated evacuation efforts for students and civilians stranded in high-risk zones. The students, mostly from Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan, and Punjab, have been brought to Delhi in batches and are being sent home with full state support.
Tamil Nadu Evacuates 233 Students from Srinagar, Baramulla
AKS Vijayan, the Special Representative of the Tamil Nadu Government in New Delhi, confirmed that students from Srinagar and Baramulla were transported by train to the national capital and temporarily housed at Tamil Nadu House.
“With the knowledge and guidance of the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, we opened our control room. 233 people have stayed in touch with us. We are sending them to Chennai,” said Vijayan.
One of the evacuees, Kavin Kumar, a second-year PG student at GMC Jammu, shared his harrowing experience:
“Shelling has been going on for the past four days. There was a drone attack. Missiles are being fired. Since 6 a.m. yesterday, shelling started near my hostel. I have a flight tomorrow morning.”
The students will fly back to Tamil Nadu on Tuesday, with state arrangements in place for their safe return.
Kerala Coordinates Evacuation of 75 Students
Meanwhile, about 75 students from central and state universities in Jammu, Rajasthan, and Punjab reached Kerala House in Delhi on Friday night and Saturday morning.
Acting on the directions of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, the Kerala government opened a 24-hour control room at Kerala House to assist Keralites in conflict-hit areas.
The helpline number for the Kerala control room is 011-23747079.
Officials led by Additional Resident Commissioner Chetan Kumar Meena, Controller A.S. Harikumar, and Liaison Officer Rahul K. Jaiswar are managing logistics and emergency response. Students are being sent back via scheduled trains and flights.
India’s Stance Amid Military Escalation
Amid the evacuation efforts, Wing Commander Vyomika Singh confirmed that Pakistan is moving troops towards forward areas, intensifying the standoff.
“All hostile actions have been effectively countered with proportionate responses,” Singh said, while emphasizing India’s readiness to de-escalate if Pakistan reciprocates.
India’s response followed Pakistan’s 26-location attack across India, which came after Operation Sindoor—India’s major retaliatory military action on May 7 targeting nine terror sites in Pakistan and PoK following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam.
Key Takeaways:
- Tamil Nadu has evacuated 233 students from conflict zones in Kashmir.
- Kerala has received 75 students and is assisting with their return travel.
- Control rooms have been established by both states to coordinate assistance.
- Shelling and drone attacks continue in Jammu, Punjab, and Rajasthan borders.
- Indian armed forces remain on high alert but committed to restraint.