Evacuated from Iran safely, Kashmiri students flag poor bus quality for onward journey home

Srinagar: A group of 94 students from Kashmir, evacuated from war-torn Iran, returned safely to New Delhi on Wednesday night but were left disheartened by what they called an “insensitive” arrangement by the Jammu and Kashmir government for their onward journey home.

Though the students expressed gratitude to the Ministry of External Affairs for facilitating their return after a complex route via Armenia and Doha, frustration set in as they boarded old, poorly maintained buses arranged by the Jammu and Kashmir Road Transport Corporation (JKRTC) to travel from Delhi to Srinagar.

The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association posted a video on X (formerly Twitter), highlighting the worn-down interiors of the buses and the lack of basic amenities. The association sharply criticized the administration’s approach in a strongly worded post.

“After enduring a harrowing 4-day journey from Iran via Armenia & Doha, Kashmiri students have finally reached Delhi, only to be dumped in SRTC buses, unlike students from other states who were received with proper airport facilitation, care, and connecting flights home.”

"Exhausted, distressed, and neglected. is this the reward for their resilience? What's stopping the J&K Govt from stepping up? Logistics? Willpower? Or just apathy? If it's about funds, say it loud, we'll launch a fundraiser for the JK Govt. We've done more with less before, it added.

The backlash prompted a quick response from the office of Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. In a statement issued on X, the CM’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."

As the students now make their way back to Kashmir, what began as a successful evacuation is ending on a note of discomfort and public criticism—raising important questions about preparedness, priorities, and political accountability.

Meanwhile, families of the students back in Kashmir welcomed their safe return, urging the government to show greater preparedness and compassion in handling the final leg of their journey.

Iran has long been a favored destination for Kashmiri students, particularly from the Valley’s Shia Muslim community, due to its affordable education and strong cultural and religious ties.

Cities like Tehran, Shiraz, and Qom host nearly 1,500 students from Jammu and Kashmir, most of whom are pursuing medical and other professional courses. Many prominent Shia scholars from the Valley have also received their religious education in Iran.