Scores of Kashmiri students returning from Bangladesh amid COVID-19 outbreak have been left stranded at the country’s border with India, hoping the authorities would evacuate them.
The Greater Kashmir received distress calls andemails from the students who said around 70 of them were waiting atinternational passenger terminal Benapole Landport,
Jashore. They said that they wereleft at a crossroads as they were not being allowed to enter the Indian sidegiven the closure of all borders by Government of India.
“We were asked to vacate hostelsby the college administration in Bangladesh. But, we were not allowed to enterIndian side and we are stuck at the border,” the students said.
The Government of India orderedfor a countrywide lockdown on Monday with curfew at many places to ensuresocial distancing and home stay. Also, the government suspended allinternational and domestic flights, besides sealing borders and entry points.The decision was taken to contain the epidemic.
Meanwhile the stranded studentssaid their tickets from Kolkata to Delhi were also confirmed but still they arenot allowed to move ahead. “We are literally on road, help us, save us,” urgeda student.
“We can’t stay here as it is toorisky. We appeal to the Indian government and the JK government to interveneinto the matter and help us to reach our homes in Kashmir,” the distressedstudents said in an email.
The students said nobody inBangladesh was ready to take their responsibility given the COVID-19 outbreakat alarming rate.
“Malaysian students were alsostranded with us but they were airlifted by the Malaysian government,” anotherstudent said.
Advisor to Lieutenant GovernorJ&K, Baseer Ahmed Khan, said the matter has been already taken up withGovernment of India.
“I have already taken up theissue with the concerned authorities. Let us wait for tonight and see if theyare allowed to return. I am trying my best to help the students,” Baseer Khansaid.
Kashmiri students at Jamia Milliademand evacuation:
The valley students at JamiaMillia Islamia New on Tuesday demanded their evacuation.
“Our flights have been cancelledand hostels are shut. Our families back home are worried about our well being,”a student said.
The students said the J&Kadministration should take up the matter with the Delhi government and ensureevacuation.
Another group of Valley studentsstuck at Bangalore also urged the J&K government for their evacuation andallow them to return Kashmir.