Editorial | Time To Act Now

Reports show that many Kashmiri students remain in Iran amid rising unrest and communication hurdles. Many have struggled to leave on their own, often facing internet shutdowns and travel barriers. Some have returned through commercial flights, but hundreds remain and parents across Kashmir have appealed for full government intervention.

The advisory by Indian authorities to leave Iran through available means is important. But an advisory alone is not enough. Clear, safe evacuation plans must follow. The memories of past evacuations show India can act fast and with precision. India has done this before when its citizens were caught in dangerous conditions abroad. Those operations brought families relief and pride.

Parents keep repeating the same message: bring our children home. They stand at press enclaves, they speak to media, and they write to the government. Their voices reflect deep fear and helplessness. These are not just words. These are real people, real families dealing with a real crisis.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi must be commended for past actions that protected Indians abroad. India’s diplomatic network and evacuation mechanisms have worked in difficult environments before. Now those systems should be used again for the students in Iran. PM Modi’s leadership matters here because Indian citizens abroad must know that their safety comes first. Their lives cannot wait for academic calendars or bureaucratic delays.

Alongside the prime minister, the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir plays a key role. The LG has the pulse of the people in the region. He understands the anxieties of families watching days turn into weeks while their children are stuck in an uncertain foreign land. His active support and coordination with the centre could speed up concrete action.

The External Affairs Ministry and Indian Embassy in Tehran are already advising students to leave. But advice is not enough. The government must provide options subsidies, flight support, or dedicated evacuations. Students should not be asked to make impossible choices between safety and education.

Medical students in Iran face a hard dilemma. They balance critical exams and academic futures with a growing threat to their safety. Reports highlight that many students stayed back because of mandatory tests, fearing loss of academic progress if they left. Their situation shows the complexity of this crisis. But it also shows why a strong plan from India is essential.

Here is what the government must do without delay Establish an official evacuation operation for all Indian students in Iran. Provide clear routes and schedules for safe exit, including charter flights if needed. Communicate directly with student groups and families daily. Ensure funding or travel support so students do not lose money or face barriers. Work with international partners and host authorities for safe passage.

The people of Jammu and Kashmir watch closely. They remember when thousands were brought home from conflict zones with state support. They know that India can save its citizens, even in the toughest conditions.

Parents want three things from the government: clear plans, strong action, and quick execution. Their plea is simple. They do not ask for politics. They want safety. They want certainty. They want their sons and daughters home.

This moment demands leadership and empathy. PM Modi must rise to this challenge. The LG of Jammu and Kashmir must stand with families. Together, they can deliver a plan that ensures the safe return of all students still in Iran.

Ultimately, this is about Indian lives, Indian families, and Indian responsibility. When citizens are in distress in a foreign land, the government must act with speed and authority. No advisory should replace action. No delay should be acceptable when children’s lives are at stake.

Now is the time for India to act. Bring the students back, reassure families, and uphold India’s duty to protect its own. That is the true test of leadership.