North 24 Parganas Families Stranded in Iran — Eleven pilgrims and three students from North 24 Parganas remain stranded in conflict-hit Iran, calling for urgent intervention from the Government of India. Amid rising tensions between Israel and Iran, families are anxious for their loved ones’ safe return.
North 24 Parganas Families Stranded in Iran The Group and Their: Ordeal
The stranded group comprises:
- Eleven pilgrims from Dhalipara in Deganga, who traveled to holy sites like Mashhad, Qom, and Shiraz. They were due to return to India on June 18 but lost contact amid the crisis.
- Three students from Swarupnagar and Basirhat pursuing advanced Persian studies in Isfahan. Their families have been unable to establish contact since June 17.
An Indian doctoral candidate, Sayed Baqir Majlisi Rizvi, who has been studying in Qom since 2018, also remains in limbo, with flights canceled and access to safe zones shrinking.
Conflict and Growing Risk
Iran is experiencing intensified airstrikes and rising tensions due to its ongoing conflict with Israel. Cities like Tehran, Isfahan, and Qom have been hit, causing widespread disruption, blackouts, and a halt in transportation.
The families of those stranded have expressed deep concern over their loved ones’ safety. “We don’t know when or how they will return. We fear for their lives every moment,” said one relative.
Government and Diplomatic Efforts
The Government of India has launched Operation Sindhu to aid stranded citizens in Iran. So far:
- Over 100 students have been airlifted via Armenia.
- The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has established a 24/7 crisis center to coordinate evacuations.
- Registration portals have been set up for stranded Indian nationals.
However, families from North 24 Parganas have urged authorities to intensify efforts, as many elderly pilgrims and students remain in highly vulnerable areas.
The Human Cost and Ground Reality
Communication from Iran has been sporadic due to air raids and blackouts. Pilgrims and students have been forced to seek shelter in basements and underground spaces, relying on dwindling supplies and fearing for their safety.
Their plight highlights the urgency for strengthened disaster and crisis response measures for Indian nationals abroad.
Similar Evacuations and Global Context
Several nations, including Japan, France, Germany, and Australia, have already conducted airlifts to extricate their citizens from conflict zones across the Middle East. The Indian government, too, has a strong record of successful crisis evacuations, including:
- Operation Ganga (2022) — Evacuation of Indians from Ukraine.
- Operation Ajay (2023) — Rescue of Indian citizens from Israel.
With Operation Sindhu now in progress, families across North 24 Parganas and the rest of West Bengal hope that their loved ones will soon return safely.
Final Thoughts
The crisis in Iran serves as a reminder of the vulnerability of Indian citizens caught in global conflicts. The families of the stranded pilgrims and students continue to appeal for expedited evacuation, humanitarian aid, and governmental support.
External Links for More Information
- Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India: https://www.mea.gov.in/
- Embassy of India in Iran: https://www.eoi.gov.in/tehran/
- UN Peace and Security in the Middle East: https://www.un.org/en/global-issues/peace-and-security
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