MEA says Indian nationals, students all safe in Iran after massive anti-government protests
By Anjali Sharma
WASHINGTON – Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Monday said that the government is tracking the developments in Iran and the Indian Embassy is in touch with the student and expatriate Indians, as per MEA press release issued.
India on Monday said that all its nationals currently in the Islamic nation are safe and advised them not to venture out in affected areas after raging anti-government protests in Iran.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said that the government is tracking the developments in Iran and the Indian Embassy is in touch with the student and expatriate Indians.
“We have a significant community of expatriate Indians and also students from India in Iran. Despite the restrictions in place, our embassy has been able to reach out to the student community and find that they are all doing well and have not faced any difficulties thus far,” Misri said.
He advised that “all of our compatriots there not to venture out or find themselves in the middle of the disturbances.”
His remarks came after concerns about the safety of Indians residing in Iran, including students in view of the violent anti-government protests.
Human rights group reported that at least 544 killed as protests spread to all 31 provinces of the Iran.
Iran has been facing intense anti-government protests since December 28 last year.
The protests that began as a demonstration by a group of traders against the falling Iranian currency and rising inflation has now spiraled into a mass uprising against the Ayatollah Ali Khamenei-led regime.
The protests have spread to at least 585 locations across the country, in 186 cities, spanned all 31 provinces.
According to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency at least 544 protesters have been killed and scores others have been injured in clashes with security forces during the anti-government protests.
Internet services remained suspended in many parts of the country since Thursday last week, US rights based group stated.
Iran supreme leader Khamenei regime has warned protesters with stringent legal actions, including charges of “death penalty”.
