New Delhi: Over 100 Indian medical students evacuated from conflict-hit Iran have expressed a mix of relief and frustration after landing in Delhi.

While they lauded the Indian government’s efforts under 'Operation Sindhu' for ensuring their safe return, they also criticised the inadequate travel arrangements made for their onward journey to Jammu and Kashmir.

The 110 students, all pursuing medical education at Urmia Medical University in Iran, arrived in the capital early on Sunday morning amid escalating regional tensions that have alarmed families of nearly 13,000 Indian students currently studying in Iran.

Students recall narrow escape from missile strike

Recounting their ordeal, one of the students, Ali, told NDTV, “It was a difficult journey for us. There were a lot of attacks, mostly in Tehran.”

He also described a moment of panic when a missile landed near their bus during transit. “We were very scared,” he said.

The group received initial assistance from Indian embassy officials, who helped them cross the border into Armenia by land.

“They (the Indian embassy officials) first helped us cross the land border to Armenia, where we stayed for a day. Then we came to Delhi,” Ali added, thanking the officials for their support.

Evacuation relief marred by poor domestic transport

However, the relief of returning home was short-lived.

The students were dismayed to find the condition of buses arranged for their travel to Jammu and Kashmir.

Shaikh Afsa, a student from Kashmir, expressed her disappointment, saying, “The buses that they have been provided were not in a stable condition.”

She said the long journey in such vehicles was too exhausting for students already fatigued by the evacuation.

Afsa also confirmed that she reached out to Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah seeking better transportation.

Omar Abdullah’s office promises action

Following the complaints, Omar Abdullah’s office issued a statement saying it had “taken note” of the concerns raised by the students.

The Chief Minister’s office is now working with the Jammu and Kashmir State Road Transport Corporation to ensure “proper deluxe buses” are arranged for the remaining journey.