Kargil, June 24: Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor of LAHDC Kargil, Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, extends his heartfelt gratitude to the Administration of Union Territory of Ladakh, particularly to Chief Secretary Pawan Kotwal, for their vital support in facilitating the successful evacuation of UT Ladakh students pursuing MBBS studies in Iran. These students have now safely returned home.
Akhoon also reassured the families of the religious scholars and their families who are still in Iran that preparations for their safe evacuation are currently underway. Continuous coordination with the Indian Embassy in Iran is being maintained to ensure a smooth and timely process.
Furthermore, transportation services have been arranged, and accommodation at Ladakh Bhawan has been prepared, if required, to ensure a comfortable and safe stay for the returnees upon arrival.
The Chief Executive Councillor emphasized that there is no cause for panic, as every possible arrangement and form of support are being provided. He also mentioned that he is in regular contact with Ms. Sonam Chosdon, Deputy Resident Commissioner. Akhoon appreciated the active involvement and support of Member of Parliament Haji Hanifa Jan in this matter.
Additionally, liaison officers and protocol assistants have been deputed to assist and support the evacuees throughout the process. For any assistance in this regard, contact Ali Hussain, Liaison Officer, Ladakh Bhawan – +916006343618.
Meanwhile, India on Tuesday continued evacuation of its citizens from Iran with over 2,200 Indians brought back from the Persian Gulf nation so far, amid escalating tensions following the US bombing of three Iranian nuclear sites.
Two-hundred-ninety-two Indian nationals were evacuated from Iran on a special flight that arrived in New Delhi from Mashhad at 3:30 am, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.
Sharing details about India’s evacuation mission Operation Sindhu that was launched following a fresh wave of hostilities between Iran and Israel, he said, “2,295 Indian nationals have now been brought home from Iran”. Separately, a C-17 military transport aircraft of the Indian Air Force evacuated 165 Indians who were living in Israel. They were received at the airport by Union Minister L Murugan.
The aircraft brought back the Indians from Amman after. The Indians were taken to the capital city of Jordan through land border crossings.
Two-hundred-ninety Indian nationals and one Sri Lankan were evacuated from Iranian city Mashhad on a special flight on Monday night.
India launched Operation Sindhu last week to bring back Indians from Iran and Israel in view of increasing hostilities between the two nations.
Israel and Iran have fired hundreds of missiles and drones at each other’s cities and military and strategic facilities since the hostilities began over a week back.
The tensions escalated significantly following the US bombing of three major Iranian nuclear sites on Sunday morning.
India has evacuated its nationals on chartered flights operated from the Iranian city of Mashhad, the Armenian capital of Yerevan and the Turkmenistan capital of Ashgabat since Wednesday.
Iran lifted airspace restrictions on Friday to facilitate three chartered flights from Mashhad.
The first flight landed in New Delhi late on Friday with 290 Indians, and the second one landed in the national capital on Saturday afternoon with 310 Indians.
Another flight arrived from the Armenian capital city of Yerevan on Thursday. A special evacuation flight from Ashgabat landed in New Delhi early Saturday. (AGENCIES)
