The escalating tensions in West Asia are causing growing concern among Kashmiri families, many of whom have children pursuing higher education in Iran, according to a PTI report. Once a favored destination for affordable professional courses like MBBS, Iran is now facing scrutiny as families worry about their children’s safety amidst the rising conflict in the region.
Hundreds of students from Kashmir, who were drawn to Iran for its economically viable education, now face uncertainty as the Israel-Hezbollah conflict and Israel-Hamas war intensify. The situation became more alarming after Iran launched 200 missiles at Israel on October 1 in retaliation for the assassination of Hezbollah’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah, by Israeli forces. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has since vowed that Iran “will pay” for its actions.
Dr. Syed Shiraz, whose daughter is studying 150 km from Tehran, described the growing fears among families. “There is tension in Tehran and neighboring countries. Everyone with relatives in Iran is worried,” he said, though he expressed hope that the situation would improve. Like many others, Shiraz remains in regular contact with his daughter through video calls, monitoring the situation closely.
While no immediate emergency has been declared, international students in Iran have been advised to stay in close contact with their embassies, raising anxieties further. Aijaz Ahmed Haji, a resident of Srinagar, has two brothers in Iran and has not heard from them in days. “I am anxious. The shops are shut, protests are ongoing, and the country is mourning Nasrallah’s death,” Haji said, adding that the Indian government needs to ensure the safety of its citizens abroad.
The crisis has also affected local career consultancies in Srinagar that facilitate admissions to Iran. Iqra, a consultant in the city, noted a sharp decline in the number of Kashmiri students opting for Iran, citing both parental concerns and the broader instability in the region. “Last year, we sent 50 to 60 students to Iran. This year, the number has dropped significantly,” she said.
As West Asia edges closer to all-out war, the future of Kashmiri students in Iran remains uncertain, leaving families and consultancies scrambling to ensure their safety.
(With inputs from PTI)