Fear and Isolation: First Flight of Stranded Indians Returns from Iran Amid Ongoing Protests
Image Source: Internet
The first batch of Indians, including students, workers, and pilgrims, arrived in Delhi on Saturday, marking the first return since protests erupted in Iran in late December. The arrivals came as families gathered at Indira Gandhi International Airport's T3, eager to be reunited with loved ones who had endured weeks of isolation and fear. The Indian government has confirmed that approximately 9,000 nationals are living in Iran, with most being students. The protests, sparked by economic distress and a plummeting currency, have spread across the country, resulting in a death toll estimated to be in the thousands. Many returnees reported not witnessing violence directly but were deeply affected by secondhand accounts and viral videos. Zuik, a 22-year-old MBBS student at Tehran University, said, 'We were told the internet shutdown was a security measure, but our families started panicking when they saw videos of protests online.' Working conditions were also impacted, with some workers being relocated to official guesthouses due to safety concerns. Staff strength was reduced as people from affected areas stopped coming to work, and returnees had to book their tickets in advance due to the uncertainty. Pilgrims, including an 8-year-old girl, Mohadeesa Fatima, from Kashmir, recounted similar confusion and chaos. They were forced to rely on locals for communication and information, making their journey back to India even more challenging. The Indian government has maintained that it is working to ensure the safety and well-being of its citizens abroad, and the external affairs ministry spokesperson confirmed that efforts are being made to facilitate the return of stranded Indians. As the situation in Iran continues to unfold, the Indian government is urging its citizens to exercise caution and remain informed about the latest developments. The return of the first batch of Indians marks a significant step towards reuniting families and providing relief to those affected by the ongoing protests.
