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Kashmiris stranded in Iran demand evacuation
KT NEWS SERVICE. Dated: 5/23/2020 11:03:16 PM
JAMMU, May 22: Pilgrims from Kashmir who are stranded in Iran due to COVID lockdown have appealed the authorities to evacuate them so that they can celebrate Eid with their family members at home.
They said that they have been stuck in Qom area, epicentre of Covid-19 in Iran, from last three months and since then they have been requesting the authorities to evacuate them but so far there is no positive response.
“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. We have some persons with us who are on medicine but due to the lock down, we are unable to get medicines for them. Their health is deteriorating day by day,” said Liyaqat Ahmad, a pilgrim from Gongoo Pulwama.
They alleged that they have been left at the mercy of God as nobody listens to their pleas. “We will die here if authorities won't take any steps at an earliest to evacuate us,” they said
They said 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.
They urged the authorities to help them reach home as nobody is sure about how long the lockdown will continue and demanded immediate attention of government of India and government of Jammu and Kashmir to facilitate their return home.