Thu Jan 15 07:20:29 UTC 2026: Headline: Kashmiri Students Stranded in Iran Amidst Escalating Protests, PDP Seeks Government Intervention
The Story:
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti has urged the Union government to intervene and facilitate the safe return of students, including those from Kashmir, who are stranded in Iran. This plea follows growing concerns from parents of Kashmiri students studying in Iran about the deteriorating security situation. The unrest stems from the plunge in the Iranian currency, the rial, leading to widespread protests that have evolved into demands for political change.
Key Points:
* Approximately 10,000 Indians, including students, are currently in Iran.
* The Indian Embassy in Tehran has advised all Indians to leave Iran using available means of transport.
* Protests in Iran originated due to the decline of the Iranian currency, the rial.
* The protests have spread to all 31 provinces and have become a broader call for political reform.
* The death toll from the protests has surpassed 2,500, according to the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA).
* Mehbooba Mufti posted her concerns on X, directly appealing to S. Jaishankar and the MEA.
Key Takeaways:
* Geopolitical instability in Iran is directly impacting Indian citizens, particularly students.
* The Indian government is under pressure to ensure the safety and evacuation of its citizens from volatile regions.
* Economic grievances can quickly escalate into widespread political unrest, with significant human rights implications.
* Social media is becoming a crucial tool for political leaders and concerned citizens to raise awareness and demand action from governments.
First Piper 