Kashmiris stuck in Iran demand evacuation
Srinagar: Pilgrims from Kashmir stranded in Iran due to Covid-19 lockdown have appealed authorities to evacuate them at an earliest so that they too can be at their respective places.
They said that we have been stuck here in Qom area, epicenter of Covid-19 in Iran from last three months and since then they have been requesting authorities to evacuate them, but so far there is no positive respond from the authorities.
“We have kids and old aged persons with us who need proper care but due to lock down we are unable to take care of them,” they said.
“We have some persons with us who are on medication but due to lock down, we are unable to get medicines for them due to which their health is worsening”, said Liyakat Ahmad, a Pilgrim from Gongoo Pulwama.
“We have been left at the mercy of God and nobody listens to our pleas,” he said, adding that most of them have left any hope of making it back to Kashmir.
“We will die here if authorities won’t take all possible steps at an earliest to evacuate us,” he added.
The students stranded here, he said believe that the situation is getting scary in Iran as positive cases and deaths due to COVID-19 are increasing here while as strict restrictions continue to be imposed on public movement as well.
The stranded Kashmiris have urged the authorities to help them reach home as nobody is sure about how long the lockdown will continue.
They demanded immediate attention of government of India and Government of Jammu and Kashmir in this regard.
Jahangeer Ganaie
