Latest news with #JammuandKashmirStudentsAssociation
Time of India
4 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Jammu and Kashmir Students Association writes to PM Modi and EAM S Jaishankar, expresses gratitude for safe evacuation from Iran
Live Events (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel New Delhi: Jammu and Kashmir Students Association JKSA )wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar , on Saturday, expressing gratitude for the evacuation of 1,300 Kashmiri students from conflict-hit Iran JKSA wrote, "We, the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association, on behalf of thousands of relieved and grateful families across the Kashmir Valley, extend our deepest and most heartfelt gratitude to you and your government for the swift, decisive, and compassionate evacuation of over 1,300 Kashmiri students and other families from the Islamic Republic of Iran, amid the rapidly escalating hostilities between Iran and Israel.""This intervention brought immense relief, joy, and emotional solace to the families who had spent countless sleepless nights, consumed by fear and uncertainty regarding the safety of their children. The students were terrified, traumatised, and in extremely vulnerable positions. Their families were in deep distress, pleading for help and the safe return of their wards. These students, trapped in cities like Tehran, Shiraz, Isfahan, Qom, Gilan, Tabriz, Yazd, and Ahvaz, endured severe psychological distress amid active conflict zones. The safe return of these students to their homeland, and into the arms of their anxious and long-waiting families especially in Jammu and Kashmir brought an end to days of fear and uncertainty, offering much-needed emotional peace and relief," the letter Students Association said that the attack near the Hujjatdost Dormitory at Tehran University of Medical Sciences left two Kashmiri students injured. Still, students were immediately relocated after the matter was brought to the attention of the MEA."Sir, your government's timely intervention came at a moment when hope was beginning to fade. While citizens of other nations were left to face the risks on their own, without support or assistance, Indian students remained under constant threat. The attack near the Hujjatdost Dormitory at Tehran University of Medical Sciences, which left two Kashmiri students injured, highlighted the grave danger they were facing. After we raised the matter with the Ministry of External Affairs , the students were immediately relocated to safer locations and provided due care. Following your personal and governmental intervention, they were finally evacuated on 19 special flights under Operation Ganga and returned safely to their respective native places in Kashmir. Your response to our urgent appeals ensured that their suffering did not go unheard," the Association gratitude, the Students Association added, "We extend our heartfelt gratitude for your prompt and effective intervention in facilitating the safe evacuation of our students. The timely and coordinated efforts of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), under your leadership and guidance, ensured that all 1,300 Kashmiri students and other families were safely brought back to India and reunited with their families.""The prompt assistance provided by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) brought tremendous relief to the frightened and anxious families across the Valley. The care and priority given to the safety of Kashmiri students from the initial response to the final leg of their journey was nothing short of exemplary. The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association had written to the Hon'ble Prime Minister and the External Affairs Minister, who took up the matter immediately from day one, as soon as the escalation began. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Indian Embassy remained in constant touch with us from the very first day the conflict and escalation began between Iran and Israel. Your swift response and prioritisation of the students' safety led to their successful and timely evacuation," the letter students thanked the Indian Embassy in Iran for ground-level coordination and communication."We are also deeply thankful for the crucial role played by the Indian Embassy in Iran as well. Their on-ground coordination, efficient handling of documentation, and sensitive communication with the students and their institutions were pivotal in ensuring their safety. The coordinated travel arrangements to border crossings, relocations to safer zones like Mashad, Qom, Ramsar, and Armenia, and final airlifts to India via Mashad and Yerevan were masterfully executed," the students added that the students who had lost their passports or faced documentation issues were also assisted."Students who had lost their passports or faced documentation issues were also assisted swiftly, thanks to your direct intervention. The MEA's sensitive and efficient handling of such challenges ensured no student was left behind," the letter further the communication efforts, the student body added, "The setting up of emergency helplines, creation of WhatsApp and Telegram-based crisis communication channels, and direct embassy-student coordination were all hallmarks of a humane, efficient, and responsive evacuation process. These measures must be acknowledged as a benchmark in citizen protection and evacuation diplomacy.""Sir, the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association recognises that this evacuation was more than a logistical exercise; it was a deeply humanitarian act rooted in national duty and compassion. Your leadership sent a clear message to every Kashmiri household that; their children matter, their lives are valued, and the Indian government stands resolutely by its citizens, regardless of geography or adversity," the students wrote."This act of care and timely intervention has not only saved lives but has renewed faith in the protective embrace of the Indian government especially among the people of Jammu and Kashmir, many of whom have long yearned for such responsive and inclusive governance," the letter Association also noted the Centre's efforts in evacuating during conflicts across the and Kashmir Students Association wrote, "This is not the first instance of the Government of India standing firmly for its citizens. During the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the Bangladesh reservation crisis, the Afghanistan-U.S. war, and the Syrian unrest, your government's efforts ensured the safety and return of thousands of Indian citizens, many of them from Jammu and Kashmir.""Such actions reflect the Government of India's, the Ministry of External Affairs', and the Indian Embassy's consistent dedication to ensuring the safety, dignity, and even religious aspirations of Indian citizens, particularly those from Jammu and Kashmir. The PMO and MEA's commitment has been a beacon of hope and reassurance to distressed families in the most turbulent times," the letter on Wednesday night, a special flight carrying 272 Indian nationals and three Nepalese citizens stranded in conflict-hit Iran's Mashhad landed safely in New Delhi, taking the total number of people evacuated under Operation Sindhu to 3,426. Evacuees thanked the Iranian and Indian governments for evacuating them from conflict-hit Iran under Operation Sindhu.
India Gazette
4 days ago
- Politics
- India Gazette
JKSA writes to PM Modi and EAM S Jaishankar, expresses gratitude for safe evacuation from Iran
New Delhi [India], June 28 (ANI): Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA)wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, on Saturday, expressing gratitude for the evacuation of 1,300 Kashmiri students from conflict-hit Iran. JKSA wrote, 'We, the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association, on behalf of thousands of relieved and grateful families across the Kashmir Valley, extend our deepest and most heartfelt gratitude to you and your government for the swift, decisive, and compassionate evacuation of over 1,300 Kashmiri students and other families from the Islamic Republic of Iran, amid the rapidly escalating hostilities between Iran and Israel.' 'This intervention brought immense relief, joy, and emotional solace to the families who had spent countless sleepless nights, consumed by fear and uncertainty regarding the safety of their children. The students were terrified, traumatised, and in extremely vulnerable positions. Their families were in deep distress, pleading for help and the safe return of their wards. These students, trapped in cities like Tehran, Shiraz, Isfahan, Qom, Gilan, Tabriz, Yazd, and Ahvaz, endured severe psychological distress amid active conflict zones. The safe return of these students to their homeland, and into the arms of their anxious and long-waiting families especially in Jammu and Kashmir brought an end to days of fear and uncertainty, offering much-needed emotional peace and relief,' the letter read. The Students Association said that the attack near the Hujjatdost Dormitory at Tehran University of Medical Sciences left two Kashmiri students injured. Still, students were immediately relocated after the matter was brought to the attention of the MEA. 'Sir, your government's timely intervention came at a moment when hope was beginning to fade. While citizens of other nations were left to face the risks on their own, without support or assistance, Indian students remained under constant threat. The attack near the Hujjatdost Dormitory at Tehran University of Medical Sciences, which left two Kashmiri students injured, highlighted the grave danger they were facing. After we raised the matter with the Ministry of External Affairs, the students were immediately relocated to safer locations and provided due care. Following your personal and governmental intervention, they were finally evacuated on 19 special flights under Operation Ganga and returned safely to their respective native places in Kashmir. Your response to our urgent appeals ensured that their suffering did not go unheard,' the Association wrote. Expressing gratitude, the Students Association added, 'We extend our heartfelt gratitude for your prompt and effective intervention in facilitating the safe evacuation of our students. The timely and coordinated efforts of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), under your leadership and guidance, ensured that all 1,300 Kashmiri students and other families were safely brought back to India and reunited with their families.' 'The prompt assistance provided by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) brought tremendous relief to the frightened and anxious families across the Valley. The care and priority given to the safety of Kashmiri students from the initial response to the final leg of their journey was nothing short of exemplary. The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association had written to the Hon'ble Prime Minister and the External Affairs Minister, who took up the matter immediately from day one, as soon as the escalation began. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Indian Embassy remained in constant touch with us from the very first day the conflict and escalation began between Iran and Israel. Your swift response and prioritisation of the students' safety led to their successful and timely evacuation,' the letter read. The students thanked the Indian Embassy in Iran for ground-level coordination and communication. 'We are also deeply thankful for the crucial role played by the Indian Embassy in Iran as well. Their on-ground coordination, efficient handling of documentation, and sensitive communication with the students and their institutions were pivotal in ensuring their safety. The coordinated travel arrangements to border crossings, relocations to safer zones like Mashad, Qom, Ramsar, and Armenia, and final airlifts to India via Mashad and Yerevan were masterfully executed,' the students wrote. They added that the students who had lost their passports or faced documentation issues were also assisted. 'Students who had lost their passports or faced documentation issues were also assisted swiftly, thanks to your direct intervention. The MEA's sensitive and efficient handling of such challenges ensured no student was left behind,' the letter further read. Lauding the communication efforts, the student body added, 'The setting up of emergency helplines, creation of WhatsApp and Telegram-based crisis communication channels, and direct embassy-student coordination were all hallmarks of a humane, efficient, and responsive evacuation process. These measures must be acknowledged as a benchmark in citizen protection and evacuation diplomacy.' 'Sir, the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association recognises that this evacuation was more than a logistical exercise; it was a deeply humanitarian act rooted in national duty and compassion. Your leadership sent a clear message to every Kashmiri household that; their children matter, their lives are valued, and the Indian government stands resolutely by its citizens, regardless of geography or adversity,' the students wrote. 'This act of care and timely intervention has not only saved lives but has renewed faith in the protective embrace of the Indian government especially among the people of Jammu and Kashmir, many of whom have long yearned for such responsive and inclusive governance,' the letter added. The Association also noted the Centre's efforts in evacuating during conflicts across the globe. Jammu and Kashmir Students Association wrote, 'This is not the first instance of the Government of India standing firmly for its citizens. During the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the Bangladesh reservation crisis, the Afghanistan-U.S. war, and the Syrian unrest, your government's efforts ensured the safety and return of thousands of Indian citizens, many of them from Jammu and Kashmir.' 'Such actions reflect the Government of India's, the Ministry of External Affairs', and the Indian Embassy's consistent dedication to ensuring the safety, dignity, and even religious aspirations of Indian citizens, particularly those from Jammu and Kashmir. The PMO and MEA's commitment has been a beacon of hope and reassurance to distressed families in the most turbulent times,' the letter read. Meanwhile, on Wednesday night, a special flight carrying 272 Indian nationals and three Nepalese citizens stranded in conflict-hit Iran's Mashhad landed safely in New Delhi, taking the total number of people evacuated under Operation Sindhu to 3,426. Evacuees thanked the Iranian and Indian governments for evacuating them from conflict-hit Iran under Operation Sindhu. (ANI)
New Indian Express
6 days ago
- Health
- New Indian Express
Kashmiri doctor facing bias at Kovai hospital: J&K students
COIMBATORE: The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association on Thursday wrote to CM MK Stalin seeking his intervention in an alleged religious discrimination against a Muslim doctor from Kashmir at a private hospital in the city. The letter said the 31-year-old doctor from Srinagar in Kashmir was allotted a seat for nephrology at a private medical college hospital in Coimbatore after the NEET-SS second counselling round conducted by the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS). He was allegedly asked to shave his beard and sign a policy document that prohibited him from sporting a beard, a condition which he said contradicted his religious obligations as a practicing Muslim. The association further condemned the incident as a clear violation of the right to religious freedom. 'This incident threatens to tarnish that legacy and sends a disturbing message,' said Nasir Khuehanmi, national convenor of the association. The student, who did not wish to be named, told TNIE that he had approached the college for admission on June 17 and was forced to remove his beard. This forced him to return to Srinagar. 'They said it was the hospital policy. However, I went there for studies through counselling and not for a job interview. As I felt it would not be possible to continue the studies with this mental pressure, I returned to my native,' he said. Meanwhile, the hospital management said they have a protocol for staff and students which stipulates a clean shave. However individuals who follow religious beliefs are allowed to sport trimmed beard.
India Gazette
7 days ago
- Health
- India Gazette
J-K Students Association seeks TN CM's help over alleged bias against Kashmiri doctor
Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], June 26 (ANI): The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association on Thursday wrote to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Thiru MK Stalin, seeking his immediate intervention in a disturbing case of alleged religious discrimination against a young Muslim doctor from the Kashmir Valley. The doctor, Dr Zubair Ahmad, was allotted a DrNB (Nephrology) seat at Kovai Medical Centre and Hospital (KMCH), Coimbatore, through the NEET-SS second counselling round conducted by the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS). He was allegedly asked to shave his beard. In its letter, the Association said that upon reporting to the hospital to complete admission formalities, Dr Zubair was reportedly asked to sign a policy document that prohibited sporting a beard, a condition he said contradicted his religious obligations as a practising Muslim. Despite offering to cover his beard with a surgical mask and agreeing to comply with all hygiene protocols and institutional dress codes, the hospital administration allegedly refused to accommodate him. National Convenor of the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association Nasir Khuehami said that the hospital was unequivocal in its demand that Dr Zubair shave or trim his beard in order to enroll. 'He was categorically asked to shave his beard to be permitted to study at the super-speciality hospital,' the Association's letter stated. Dr Zubair was informed that KMCH has a dress code prohibiting beards. Even after he assured the administration of his willingness to adhere to all professional norms and conceal his beard if required, the policy remained non-negotiable. Notably, Dr Zubair has completed his MBBS, MD, and senior residency at Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Srinagar, without encountering any such restriction. The letter further pointed out that had this beard policy been transparently disclosed during the counselling process, Dr Zubair would not have opted for the institute. With no alternative left, Dr Zubair was compelled to withdraw from the programme, despite having secured the seat on an all-India merit basis. He has since requested NBEMS to allow his participation in the third round of counselling and to refund his Rs 2 lakh security deposit submitted during the admission process. The Association condemned the incident as a clear violation of Article 25 of the Constitution of India, which guarantees the right to religious freedom. 'The hospital's insistence on a so-called 'clean-shaven, corporate appearance' is neither essential to medical education nor aligned with patient care, ethics, or hygiene, the core pillars of the medical profession,' the Association argued. Khuehami added, 'Such appearance- based restrictions are not only unnecessary but are also discriminatory and exclusionary. The lack of prior disclosure and the imposition of this requirement after seat allotment is unjust and violates both the spirit and the letter of the Constitution.' The Association expressed particular disappointment that such an incident occurred in Tamil Nadu, a state known for its progressive values and inclusive governance. 'Tamil Nadu has long welcomed students and professionals from across India, including the Kashmir Valley. This incident threatens to tarnish that proud legacy and sends a disturbing message to students from marginalized and minority backgrounds.' 'Forcing a Kashmiri doctor to shave his beard, a core part of his religious identity not only violates his fundamental rights but also fosters fear, exclusion, and alienation in academic spaces, which should instead promote acceptance, equity, and dignity,' he added. The Association urged Chief Minister MK Stalin to take urgent steps to ensure that religious freedoms are protected across educational and healthcare institutions in Tamil Nadu. 'We request your intervention to discourage discriminatory institutional policies that infringe upon constitutional rights and to help restore the confidence of students and professionals who look up to Tamil Nadu as a beacon of progress, tolerance, and justice,' the letter stated. The Association expressed hope in the Chief Minister's leadership and commitment to justice, pluralism, and equality. 'We urge him to uphold Tamil Nadu's cherished tradition of tolerance, inclusion, and cultural respect, and to ensure that no student is ever made to feel unsafe or unwelcome due to their faith or identity.' (ANI)
News18
22-06-2025
- Politics
- News18
Over 1,100 Nationals Evacuated From War-Hit Iran Amid US Strikes On Nuclear Sites
Last Updated: India announced Operation Sindhu on Wednesday as the situation between Iran and Israel grew tense with continuous strikes. With Operation Sindhu, India successfully brought over 1,100 Indian students stuck in Iran amid its ongoing conflict with Israel. The Mahan Air flight (W50071A) from Mashhad, Iran, carrying over 280 Indian students, including more than 200 students from Kashmir, landed safely at Delhi Airport on Sunday. Expressing gratitude to the government, the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association, in an official statement, said that the return of the students has brought much relief. 'These students, who endured days of distress in the war zone of Iran, have finally returned to the safety of their homeland and into the warm embrace of their waiting families, especially in Kashmir," it said. 'We extend our deepest gratitude to the Government of India, the Ministry of External Affairs, and the Indian Embassy in Iran for their tireless efforts, swift action, and support. Their exceptional coordination and close cooperation with Iranian authorities ensured a safe and timely evacuation during a very critical situation," added the official statement. Earlier on Saturday, two Mahan Air flights with students from Iran landed at Delhi Airport. After the second flight landed on Saturday, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal informed on X, '290 Indian nationals have returned home safely from Iran on a special flight from Mashhad that landed in New Delhi at 2330 hrs on 21 June 2025. With this, 1,117 Indian nationals have been evacuated from Iran." India announced Operation Sindhu on Wednesday as the situation between Iran and Israel grew tense with continuous strikes. The conflict continued for Day 10 on Sunday, with US President Donald Trump joining in on strikes against Iran and targeting three nuclear sites. Trump announced that the United States had completed a 'very successful attack" on three nuclear sites in Iran – including Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan—in a major escalation of tensions in the Middle East. First Published: June 22, 2025, 16:58 IST
