Israel-Iran Conflict: “Focused on ensuring a safe return,” says CM Omar after students raise concerns over ‘poor’ bus conditions during evacuation

A group of students evacuated from war-hit Iran under Operation Sindhu has voiced concerns over the poor condition of buses arranged by the Jammu and Kashmir government for their onward journey from Delhi to Kashmir.

Responding to the students’ grievances, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah assured that the matter has been addressed and that he has directed officials to arrange proper deluxe buses for their travel. “The Resident Commissioner has been asked to coordinate with JKRTC to ensure suitable transportation is provided,” the CM’s office stated on X.

According to the students, while their evacuation from Iran to Delhi was smooth and well-managed by the central government, problems began upon reaching Delhi. “The buses provided are in such poor condition that even animals wouldn’t travel in them. Our safety is at risk,” one student told ANI.

The road journey from Delhi to Kashmir, which spans nearly 800 km via Jammu, generally takes between 18 to 22 hours depending on traffic and weather conditions.

Out of the 110 students who arrived in Delhi early on 19 June—after being flown from Armenia where they had crossed over from Tehran—94 are from Jammu and Kashmir. These students were shifted from northern Iran to Armenia on 17 June, under the supervision of Indian embassies, amidst intensifying hostilities between Israel and Iran.

Following their arrival in Delhi, the plan was to transport them to Jammu and Kashmir in J&K State Road Transport Corporation (JKSRTC) buses. However, the dismal state of the buses triggered criticism and distress among the students.

Omar Abdullah, who had earlier appealed to the Ministry of External Affairs to ensure the safety of Kashmiri students stranded in Iran, reiterated that the state administration is working to guarantee a safe and comfortable journey home. “Transport arrangements are being updated and will be in place within a few hours,” the CM’s office assured.

The broader conflict between Iran and Israel, now in its seventh day as of 19 June, has claimed the lives of at least 639 people and injured over 1,300, according to reports cited by the Associated Press.