J&K CM Omar Abdullah: Indian Students in Iran Being Evacuated via Armenia 

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday confirmed that Indian students from the Union Territory currently studying in Iran are being evacuated via Armenia amid escalating tensions in the region. Addressing the media, Abdullah said the decision to move students overland to Armenia was made due to the closure of airports and ports in Iran, particularly in high-risk areas like Tehran and Isfahan.

“I have been in constant touch with the Ministry of External Affairs. I spoke personally with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, who assured me that the evacuation is being carried out as per a structured plan,” Abdullah said. “The priority is to first move students out from areas with greater danger, especially Tehran and Isfahan. Initially, there was a plan to shift them to Qum, which was considered safer, but due to logistical challenges, they are now being transported by land to Armenia. From there, they will be flown back home safely.”

Abdullah also raised concerns about certain restrictions imposed on this year’s Amarnath Yatra, particularly the prohibition on helicopter services from Pahalgam and Baltal—two key pilgrimage routes. He warned that such decisions could inadvertently project a negative image of Jammu and Kashmir’s current security situation to the rest of the country.

“We all want the yatra to go smoothly and peacefully,” Abdullah said. “But it is strange that helicopter services have not been permitted this time. This sends a wrong message to the country, as if the situation in Jammu and Kashmir is too dangerous for such arrangements. I don’t have access to the intelligence inputs that may have led to this decision, but as far as I can recall, this is the first time in years that such a restriction has been imposed.”

The chief minister also welcomed the reopening of parks and tourist destinations across the Kashmir Valley, which had been shut down following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam. He said the move was essential to restoring normalcy and reviving tourism in the region.

“For days now, we’ve been trying to convince authorities that keeping tourist destinations closed while trying to revive the tourism industry is contradictory. It’s good to see that destinations are being reopened gradually. We are hopeful this will boost tourist confidence and encourage people to return,” Abdullah said.

The April 22 attack had led to tightened security measures and widespread closures across several popular tourist spots. However, with the gradual reopening, stakeholders in the tourism sector are optimistic that the peak travel season may still be salvaged.

Abdullah’s remarks highlight the dual focus of the J&K administration—ensuring the safety of its citizens abroad while balancing security with economic revival at home.