Expresses concerns over passport denial, academic ‘coercion’
SRINAGAR: Dr. Nazrul Islam Baba, President of the Private Schools Association Jammu & Kashmir (PSA J&K), has expressed grave concern over the distressing situation faced by Indian students stranded in Iran, particularly those from Jammu and Kashmir, and has urged the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to take immediate and decisive action.
In a statement issued from Srinagar, Dr. Baba said that reports emerging from Iran, especially from Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences and Iran University of Medical Sciences, are deeply alarming. Indian students are allegedly being denied the return of their passports, severely restricting their freedom of movement at a time when regional security conditions are rapidly deteriorating.
He noted that the prevailing atmosphere of uncertainty—marked by escalating regional tensions, security alerts, and communication disruptions—has caused immense psychological stress among students and their families back home. Despite the worsening situation, some university authorities are reportedly compelling students to appear in examinations, even as several other Iranian universities have postponed academic activities until late March in view of the instability.
“Expecting students to continue academic examinations under such fear and insecurity is neither humane nor academically justified,” Dr. Baba stated. “Students are being forced into an unfair dilemma—choosing between their personal safety and their academic future.”
Dr. Baba strongly appealed to the Ministry of External Affairs to urgently intervene by engaging with Iranian authorities and university administrations to ensure the immediate release of students’ passports and restoration of their right to return home if they so wish. He also emphasized the need for the Indian Embassy in Tehran to take proactive steps to address academic coercion and secure appropriate relief, including postponement of examinations and flexibility in academic obligations.
Highlighting the responsibility of the government towards its citizens abroad, Dr. Baba urged that contingency and evacuation plans be kept ready should the security situation worsen further. He expressed confidence that the Government of India would act swiftly to safeguard the safety, dignity, and well-being of Indian students.
“Timely intervention will not only protect our students but also bring much-needed reassurance to their anxious families,” he added.