In the wake of Israeli airstrikes on Iran, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has called on the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to take urgent steps to safeguard the lives of Kashmiri students stranded in Iran.
Taking to the social media platform X, Abdullah wrote, “Requesting @MEAIndia to urgently ensure the safety and well-being of Kashmiri students currently stuck in Iran. Their families are deeply worried, and we stand with them in this difficult time. Every step must be taken to safeguard our students.”
Requesting @MEAIndia to urgently ensure the safety and well-being of Kashmiri students currently stuck in Iran. Their families are deeply worried, and we stand with them in this difficult time. Every step must be taken to safeguard our students.@DrSJaishankar
— Office of Chief Minister, J&K (@CM_JnK) June 13, 2025
Israeli strikes heighten fears in Kashmir
Israel launched major airstrikes on Iran early Friday morning, targeting key military and nuclear sites.
The strikes killed two top Iranian generals and nuclear scientists, escalating tensions in the region.
In retaliation, Iran launched over 100 drones toward Israel.
These developments have, however, triggered serious concerns in the Kashmir Valley, where many families have children studying in Iran.
A significant number of Kashmiri students pursue medical and technical education in Iranian institutions, while several doctors and engineers from the region also work in Iran.
Sunni and Shia organisations condemn Israeli strikes
Sunni and Shia Muslim organisations in Kashmir strongly condemned the Israeli attacks.
They issued joint statements and held gatherings to denounce the airstrikes, calling them a grave provocation that endangers regional stability.
Both sects voiced their outrage in unison, showcasing rare communal solidarity.
Local religious organisations, however, emphasised that developments in Iran directly impact Kashmir’s Shia community, which holds deep religious and cultural ties with Iranian scholars and theology.
Deep cultural and religious links with Iran
The Shia Muslim community in Jammu and Kashmir maintains a longstanding religious connection with Iran.
Shia Muslims in India widely follow the interpretations of Islamic jurisprudence provided by high-ranking clerics from Iran.
Religious leaders in Kashmir noted that any significant development in Iran reverberates deeply within the community, which closely monitors events unfolding in the region.
Several Arab nations condemned the Israeli airstrikes, warning against further escalation.
The United States, meanwhile, distanced itself from the operation, labelling it a ‘unilateral action’ by Israel and denying any involvement.
Escalating Israel-Iran tensions have raised fears of regional conflict, putting foreign nationals, including Indian students, at risk.
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