S Jaishankar meets families of Kashmiris stranded in Iran; efforts underway for return of Indian pilgrims from Qom, says external affairs minister

Srinagar: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar arrived on a visit to Kashmir on Monday and met the relatives of those people, including students, who are stranded in Iran, officials said.

They said the Union minister reached the valley on Monday morning on a surprise visit. Jaishankar met the relatives at Kashmir International Convention Complex situated on the banks of Dal Lake, they said.

The relatives of those stranded, who include students from the Union Territory and pilgrims in Qom, demanded that the Centre airlift them from Iran immediately, the officials said.

The Union minister had on Sunday said efforts were underway for the return of Indians from Iran.

Follow LIVE updates on Coronavirus Outbreak

“Efforts underway for return of Indian pilgrims in Qom, Iran. Screening process has started and follow up arrangements are being discussed with Iranian authorities. This is top priority and Embassy team is fully engaged on this,” Jaishankar wrote on Twitter.

“Our Embassy continues to maintain close contact with Indian fishermen in Iran. No case of COVID19 reported among them. Ensuring that they have adequate supplies. Will continue to monitor their welfare,” he said in another tweet.

The officials said the minister will visit the Passport Office, Srinagar located in Boulevard area of the city and the Passport Seva Kendra in Baramulla district of north Kashmir.