Jaishankar meets kin of Kashmiri students stranded in virus-hit Iran
SURPRISE SRINAGAR VISIT Union minister assures the families those stuck will be airlifted soon
SRINAGAR: External affairs minister S Jaishankar arrived on a surprise visit to Srinagar on Monday and met the family and relatives of those people, including students, who are stranded in Iran amidst coronavirus scare.
Jaishankar met the relatives of those stranded, which include students and pilgrims from the Union Territory, at Kashmir International Convention Complex situated on the banks of Dal Lake here, officials said.
During the interaction, he briefed the families on the steps being taken by the Centre to bring back their loved ones. The minister assured the families that the people will be airlifted as soon as possible.
“Met in Srinagar the families of Indian students in Iran. Assured them that our Embassay in Iran is monitoring their welfare. We are committed to facilitating their early return to Iran,” he tweeted after the meeting.
A parent said they are hopeful that the students will be evacuated soon.
“The students are perturbed and want to return as things are not good in Iran after spread of coronavirus. Everyone is concerned,” he said.
After meeting the families, the minister met representatives of Kashmir Hoteliers Association, Tours and Travels Operators Association and Houseboat Owners Association. The members of these groups apprised him of the slump in business especially after abrogation of Article 370 last year.
Jaishankar then visited the regional passport office located in Boulevard area of the city and took stock of its functioning. He also visited Passport Seva Kendra in Baramulla district of north Kashmir.
The minister was also briefed by the General Officer Commanding of the Srinagar-based 15 Corps over the security situation in the Valley, officials said.