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Indian Express
2 hours ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
J&K students evacuated from Iran hail Centre's Operation Sindhu, slam state govt for ‘unsafe' buses
Indian students from Jammu and Kashmir, recently brought back from conflict-hit Iran under Operation Sindhu, expressed deep gratitude towards the Centre for the smooth evacuation process. However, they criticised the Jammu and Kashmir administration for providing poorly maintained buses for their onward journey from Delhi to their hometowns. Many of them called the conditions 'unsafe and disappointing'. The Centre had launched Operation Sindhu to bring back Indian nationals amid the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel. One of the evacuees, Sheikh Afsa, who returned to Delhi with 110 other passengers, told ANI, 'We are happy to return here, but we are also worried about our studies. The situation there (Iran) is bad, and people are scared. We even received calls from people in Iran, who said the situation in Iran is very critical.' Afsa added, 'The (Indian) government evacuated us from our dormitory, from our doors; we didn't even expect this much. They helped us at every step; no one faced any problem, and we are grateful to the central government for the role they played in evacuating us.' ANI quoted another student as saying, 'We are tired after such a long journey. The central government and the Indian embassy did such a good job that we didn't feel any problem – it wasn't like we were being evacuated, as everything was so smooth.' Despite the smooth airlift from Iran to Delhi, the students expressed frustration with the Jammu and Kashmir government for arranging poor-quality buses for their travel home. 'We hadn't felt we would have any issue as we were to go home, and the state government would take care of it further. But, the buses being provided are in such a bad condition. Two hours back, CM Omar Abdullah tweeted about this, but nothing has happened yet,' one student noted. In a more scathing criticism, another student said, 'The buses that have been provided are in such bad condition that even animals will not travel in them. We can't go in such buses, and our safety could have been compromised. We are here (in Delhi) and for that we are thankful to the central government as they have evacuated us smoothly, we faced no problem till here, but we are having a problem here now.' Responding to the students' complaints, the office of Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah stated on X that he had taken note of their concerns. 'The Chief Minister has taken note of the request of the students evacuated from Iran regarding the quality of buses arranged to transport them from Delhi to J&K. The Resident Commissioner has been tasked with coordinating with the JKRTC to ensure proper deluxe buses are arranged,' a tweet from the Chief Minister's Office read. The Chief Minister has taken note of the request of the students evacuated from Iran regarding the quality of buses arranged to transport them from Delhi to J&K. The Resident Commissioner has been tasked with coordinating with the JKRTC to ensure proper deluxe buses are arranged. — Office of Chief Minister, J&K (@CM_JnK) June 19, 2025
India Gazette
8 hours ago
- Politics
- India Gazette
"Situation in Iran bad": Students arriving in Delhi say Indian Govt picked them up from their doorsteps
New Delhi [India], June 19 (ANI): Arriving in New Delhi from the conflict zone in Iran under India's Operation Sindhu, Indian students expressed their gratitude to the Central government for evacuating them directly from their doorstep. They described the situation in Iran as 'bad', noting that people there are extremely 'scared'. An Indian student, Sheikh Afsa, on board the flight carrying 110 nationals under Operation Sindhu, praised the government's efforts to ensure a safe evacuation upon returning to Delhi, saying that the government evacuated them 'from their doors'. 'We are happy to return here, but we are also worried about our studies. The situation there (Iran) is bad, and people are scared. We even received calls from people in Iran, who said the situation in Iran is very critical. The (Indian) government literally evacuated us from our dormitory, from our doors; we didn't even expect this much. They helped us at every step; no one faced any problem, and we are grateful to the central government for the role they played in evacuating us,' she told ANI. The Indian government has launched Operation Sindhu to evacuate Indian nationals from Iran in view of the deteriorating situation as a result of the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel. Another evacuated student expressed his gratitude to the Indian government, saying that he was safely back home because of their efforts. 'I am happy that I am back in our country. We didn't see any such thing in Urmia, but in other places across Iran, the situation was bad... The Government of India helped a lot; that is why we are back home,' he stated. Describing the situation as 'critical', another Indian student urged the Indian Embassy in Iran to rescue fellow Indians still stranded in Tehran and Isfahan: '...We thank the Indian Embassy for evacuating us at the right time, but we have one more appeal: that all of our brothers and sisters who are stranded in Isfahan and Tehran be evacuated as soon as possible, as the situation is so critical there.' A girl from Jammu and Kashmir, currently in her fourth year of studies in Iran, expressed hope that the war would end soon so she could return and complete her education. She described the entire evacuation process as 'smooth', noting that they did not face any challenges. She also urged the Jammu and Kashmir government to facilitate their early return home. 'We are sad as we have to leave our studies... We are happy, as we didn't expect that we would be back; such is the condition there (in Iran)... I hope the war will end soon, as our studies will also be completed, and Iran won't have to suffer too much. I am very thankful to the Indian government for the way they evacuated us; it was smooth. We faced no issues till now. But we have come to know that buses are being arranged for the students of Kashmir from here. I think after travelling to 3 countries, we are not ready to travel by bus. I request our CM (of J&K) to facilitate us so that we can meet our parents as soon as possible,' she said. Earlier, in a post on X, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal wrote, 'India launched Operation Sindhu to evacuate Indian nationals from Iran. India evacuated 110 students from northern Iran, who crossed into Armenia under the supervision of our Missions in Iran and Armenia on 17th June. They departed from Yerevan on a special flight and will arrive in New Delhi in the early hours of 19th June 2025. India accords the highest priority to the safety and security of her nationals abroad.' (ANI
Time of India
8 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
"Situation in Iran bad": Students arriving in Delhi say Indian Govt picked them up from their doorsteps
Arriving in New Delhi from the conflict zone in Iran under India's Operation Sindhu , Indian students expressed their gratitude to the Central government for evacuating them directly from their doorstep. They described the situation in Iran as "bad", noting that people there are extremely "scared". An Indian student, Sheikh Afsa, on board the flight carrying 110 nationals under Operation Sindhu, praised the government's efforts to ensure a safe evacuation upon returning to Delhi, saying that the government evacuated them 'from their doors'. "We are happy to return here, but we are also worried about our studies. The situation there (Iran) is bad, and people are scared. We even received calls from people in Iran, who said the situation in Iran is very critical. The (Indian) government literally evacuated us from our dormitory, from our doors; we didn't even expect this much. They helped us at every step; no one faced any problem, and we are grateful to the central government for the role they played in evacuating us," she told ANI. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like New Container Houses Thailand (Prices May Surprise You) Container House | Search ads Search Now Undo The Indian government has launched Operation Sindhu to evacuate Indian nationals from Iran in view of the deteriorating situation as a result of the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel. (Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates) Another evacuated student expressed his gratitude to the Indian government, saying that he was safely back home because of their efforts. Live Events You Might Also Like: Flight carrying over 100 Indian students, evacuated to Armenia from war-torn Iran, lands in Delhi "I am happy that I am back in our country. We didn't see any such thing in Urmia, but in other places across Iran, the situation was bad... The Government of India helped a lot; that is why we are back home," he stated. Describing the situation as "critical", another Indian student urged the Indian Embassy in Iran to rescue fellow Indians still stranded in Tehran and Isfahan: "...We thank the Indian Embassy for evacuating us at the right time, but we have one more appeal: that all of our brothers and sisters who are stranded in Isfahan and Tehran be evacuated as soon as possible, as the situation is so critical there." A girl from Jammu and Kashmir, currently in her fourth year of studies in Iran, expressed hope that the war would end soon so she could return and complete her education. She described the entire evacuation process as "smooth", noting that they did not face any challenges. She also urged the Jammu and Kashmir government to facilitate their early return home. You Might Also Like: India launches Operation Sindhu to evacuate citizens from Iran amid its escalating conflict with Israel "We are sad as we have to leave our studies... We are happy, as we didn't expect that we would be back; such is the condition there (in Iran)... I hope the war will end soon, as our studies will also be completed, and Iran won't have to suffer too much. I am very thankful to the Indian government for the way they evacuated us; it was smooth. We faced no issues till now. But we have come to know that buses are being arranged for the students of Kashmir from here. I think after travelling to 3 countries, we are not ready to travel by bus. I request our CM (of J&K) to facilitate us so that we can meet our parents as soon as possible," she said. Earlier, in a post on X, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal wrote, "India launched Operation Sindhu to evacuate Indian nationals from Iran. India evacuated 110 students from northern Iran, who crossed into Armenia under the supervision of our Missions in Iran and Armenia on 17th June. They departed from Yerevan on a special flight and will arrive in New Delhi in the early hours of 19th June 2025. India accords the highest priority to the safety and security of her nationals abroad."
Express Tribune
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Classical music renditions enthral listeners
The Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) echoed with the timeless strains of South Asian classical music on Saturday evening, as a spellbinding concert organised by the Ahang-e-Khusrawi Classical Music Heritage Trust (CMHT) drew a packed house of music enthusiasts. The event, aimed at preserving and promoting Pakistan's rich classical music heritage, attracted a diverse audience comprising diplomats, students, artists and connoisseurs of classical traditions. It was a night steeped in melody, spirituality, and cultural pride. The evening opened with a mystical choral performance by the students of the Trust, including Afsa, Amaan, Sara and Ahmad. Their harmonious voices set a reverent and spiritual tone, instantly drawing the audience into a world of devotion and musical serenity. This was followed by a breathtaking instrumental performance featuring renowned flutist Salman Adil and tabla maestro Sarfaraz Anwar. Their seamless interplay and nuanced improvisations captivated listeners and drew resounding applause. Santoor artist Ali Raza delivered a compelling solo. His performance marked by intricate phrasing and rhythmic elegance, beautifully complemented by tabla accompaniment. In the vocal segment, classical singer Hassan Abbas enthralled the audience with his rendering of a soulful raag, blending technical mastery with emotive expression. Sarfaraz Anwar returned to the stage-this time as a vocalist-to present a powerful rendition of Raag Darbari, leaving a deep emotional impact on the listeners. One of the most memorable moments of the evening was a spellbinding classical dance performance by acclaimed dancer Nighat Chaudhry. Her expressive interpretation of Faiz Ahmed Faiz's revolutionary poem "Hum Dekhain Gey" merged poetry, music, and movement into a stirring tribute that earned a huge appreciation. Reflecting on the Trust's journey, President Iftikhar Rasheed shared its humble beginnings in 2003. "Six of us contributed Rs100,000 each to establish this nonprofit initiative dedicated to supporting classical musicians and offering free or subsidised music education," he said. Highlighting present challenges, he added, "Today, only three active trustees remain. We urgently need support from the corporate sector and the public to sustain this noble mission. Pakistan is full of raw talent if we don't nurture it, we risk losing a vital part of our cultural identity." PNCA Director General Muhammad Ayoub Jamali, lauded the Trust's dedication and pledged institutional backing, including free music education facilities for underprivileged students. "In these difficult times, such unwavering commitment to classical arts is truly inspiring," he noted.
