The families of hundreds of Kashmiri youths studying in Iran are growing increasingly concerned as West Asia teeters on the brink of war, largely due to the escalating Israel-Hezbollah conflict and the Israel-Hamas war. Iran, a popular destination for Kashmiri students pursuing higher education, especially in fields like medicine, is now being viewed with caution as tensions rise.
Iran’s affordability has made it a favored option for Kashmiri students pursuing professional courses, particularly MBBS. However, families are deeply perturbed by the unfolding situation. Dr. Syed Shiraz, a resident of Dab village in Ganderbal, shared his concerns, noting that his daughter’s college is around 150 kilometers from Tehran. “There is tension in the capital city, and neighboring countries are also affected,” he said, adding that despite the apprehensions, they remain hopeful for their children’s safety.
Dr. Shiraz stays in regular contact with his daughter through video and audio calls. According to her, protests and demonstrations are ongoing in Tehran, but no emergency has been declared yet. However, foreign nationals, including students, have been advised to stay in touch with their embassies.
Aijaz Ahmed Haji, a resident of Saida Kadal in Srinagar, expressed anxiety over not being able to speak with his brothers, who are pursuing religious studies in Iran. “There have been protests, shops are closed, and the country is mourning the demise of Hezbollah’s Syed Hassan Nasrallah,” Haji said, urging the Indian government to ensure the safety of its citizens abroad.
The growing unrest has also affected educational consultancies in Srinagar. Iqra, a career consultant, reported a sharp decline in students opting for Iran as a study destination. “Last year, we sent 50 to 60 students to Iran, but this year, the numbers have dropped significantly due to the unstable situation,” she said.
Parents are now more hesitant to send their children to Iran for higher studies, as uncertainty continues to cloud the region.
