EAM S Jaishankar Makes Surprise Visit to Kashmir, Meets Kin of Students Stranded in Iran

The parents have been appealing the government to lift the students from Iran due to coronavirus scare.

Srinagar: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar arrived on a surprise visit to Kashmir on Monday and met the families of the students stranded in Iran. The minister’s move comes after parents have been appealing the government to lift the students from Iran due to coronavirus scare.

As per a PTI report, Jaishankar met the relatives at Kashmir International Convention Complex situated on the banks of Dal Lake in Srinagar.

Jammu & Kashmir: External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar in Srinagar met family members of the students who are stuck in Iran. A parent says, "EAM has given us assurance that he will get our children back from Iran; we have requested him to do it at the earliest." #CoronaVirus pic.twitter.com/MkVnmcMhcc
— ANI (@ANI) March 9, 2020

The Union minister had on Sunday said efforts were underway for the return of Indians from Iran. He also said that the screening process has already started and the follow-up arrangements are being discussed with Iranian authorities.

The EAM further added that the Embassy in Iran is maintaining close contact with Indian fishermen there.

Efforts underway for return of Indian pilgrims in Qom #Iran.Screening process has started & follow up arrangements are being discussed with Iranian authorities. This is top priority & Embassy team @india_in_iran is fully engaged on this@PawarSpeaks @ghulamnazad @DrJitendraSingh https://t.co/ROB1i8kD3P
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) March 8, 2020

Notably, Iran is among the countries worst-hit by the coronavirus outbreak. On Sunday, Iran witnessed the steepest rise in coronavirus-related deaths overnight with 49 people dying from the COVID-19 disease.

Assuring that there is nothing to worry, Jaishankar had previously informed that India had sent four scientists to set up screening camps in Iran.

Union health minister Harsh Vardhan also said that the government of India is following up with the Iran authorities for the well-being of the Indians stranded in Iran and their evacuation.

Meanwhile, officials said the Union minister will also visit the Srinagar Passport Office located on the banks of the famous Dal Lake in Boulevard area of the city and Passport Seva Kendra in Baramulla district of north Kashmir.