T.N. announces helpline to aid its students in Jammu and Kashmir

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has instructed authorities to ensure the safety and immediate return of students from Tamil Nadu, currently studying in Jammu and Kashmir, especially those enrolled at National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Srinagar, and agricultural universities in the region.

Following rising tensions and prevailing hostilities in the region, the Chief Minister has directed that utmost priority be given to ensuring the safety and immediate return of students from Tamil Nadu currently studying in Jammu and Kashmir, Non-Resident Tamils Welfare Board chairperson Karthikeya Sivasenapathy said.

The Board has been coordinating with institutional authorities and local officials to ensure that necessary steps are taken without delay, he said.

“We have personally spoken to the Director and Assistant Director of NIFT, Srinagar, and to Thiru Aftab, IAS, a native of Kashmir and Tamil Nadu cadre officer, presently overseeing development efforts in the region. He has assured that once the situation stabilises, students will be brought back safely and at the earliest,” he said in an official release.

Mr. Sivasenapathy further said: “We have also interacted directly with students from Tamil Nadu studying at NIFT and Agricultural Universities in Jammu & Kashmir — around 41 students in total — and are in regular touch to ensure their safety and well-being.

Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary N. Muruganandam has also spoken to the students and was coordinating with authorities concerned. “The Chief Minister is personally and continuously assessing the situation,” it said.

The Board called upon students from Tamil Nadu currently studying in Jammu and Kashmir and other sensitive areas as identified by the Union government to reach out to the Non-Resident Tamils Welfare Board for assistance. The Tamil Nadu Bhavan in New Delhi is also actively monitoring the situation and is ready to accommodate the students if evacuation becomes necessary.

In view of the current security environment, further operational details are being withheld in the interest of student safety.

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