CM Omar urges students in Iran not to take fresh advisory for granted; return home

Ganderbal, Feb 24: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday urged Indian students from Jammu and Kashmir who are currently in Iran not to take the fresh advisory by the Indian Embassy for granted and return home without delay.

Speaking to reporters in Ganderbal, Omar Abdullah said the advisory makes it imperative for students to depart immediately before any further restrictions or closure of airspace impede their ability to return. “I want to tell the students of Jammu and Kashmir don’t take this advisory for granted. Otherwise, tomorrow when the airspace is closed, their parents and families will raise concerns and panic, adding that later it gets difficult for us as well in such circumstances,” Omar said.

He requested the students and Indian nationals in Iran to book their tickets and come out of Iran, adding that when the situation will become peaceful again they should return later.

Notably, the advisory from the Indian Embassy in Tehran, issued on February 23, 2026, advises Indian nationals including students, pilgrims, business persons and tourists to depart Iran using any available mode of transport, including commercial flights, in view of the evolving security situation.

On the issue of alleged harassment of students from Kashmir in CT University Punjab, the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said that he will take up the issue with the chief minister of Punjab and assure no students are harassed forthwith. Omar however said that the government of Punjab has always supported Jammu and Kashmir and with assurance I can say that the Punjab government would in no way had said this to the university but this might be something within the university and it will be looked into.

Earlier, Chief Minister laid foundation stones and inaugurated key development projects in Ganderbal constituency involving a total investment of Rs 84.41 crore. This will strengthen urban infrastructure, healthcare, water supply, roads and public services across the constituency.