Haneefa seeks urgent evacuation of Ladakhi students, pilgrims from Iran

Umar Raina
Comments 0
04 Mar 2026

Ladakh, Mar 04: Member of Parliament from Ladakh Mohammad Haneefa, has written to Union External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, seeking urgent evacuation of Indian nationals stranded in Iran amid the rapidly escalating conflict in the region. In a letter, Haneefa expressed deep concern over the grave security situation in Iran following coordinated strikes and counter-strikes involving multiple nations, which have significantly heightened tensions and uncertainty. The MP stated that a large number of Indian citizens — including students, tullabs (religious scholars), pilgrims, professionals, and other residents — are currently stranded in different parts of Iran and are facing growing anxiety regarding their safety and well-being. “Of particular concern is the situation of residents from the Union Territory of Ladakh,” Haneefa wrote, highlighting that Iran has traditionally been home to a significant number of Ladakhi students pursuing religious and academic education, as well as pilgrims and individuals residing there for livelihood and cultural reasons. He further informed that hundreds of Ladakhi pilgrims who were scheduled to return to India in the coming days are now unable to do so due to the closure of Iran’s airspace and the cancellation of commercial flights. “I have been receiving persistent and distressed calls from family members in Ladakh who are deeply concerned about the safety of their loved ones stranded in an increasingly volatile environment,” the MP stated, adding that families are earnestly seeking the early return of their kin. Haneefa urged the Ministry of External Affairs to initiate immediate and comprehensive evacuation measures for Ladakhi residents and all Indian nationals stranded in Iran at the earliest. “Timely intervention at this critical juncture is essential to prevent any untoward incident and to reassure the worried families back home,” he said. The MP also requested that regular updates regarding the evacuation plan and other necessary information be shared with him so that accurate and timely details can be conveyed to distressed families in Ladakh. Given the urgency and sensitivity of the matter, Haneefa has sought a personal meeting with the External Affairs Minister at the earliest to discuss the situation in detail and facilitate effective coordination. Expressing confidence in the Ministry’s leadership, the Ladakh MP said he believes swift and decisive action will be taken to safeguard the lives of Indian nationals during this challenging period.