Worried about safety of kin, say Afghan students in Panjab University

Chandigarh, August 17

Panjab University has not received any request from students hailing from Afghanistan, said officials.

“PU DSW Prof Tomar has been asked to talk to the students to know about their issues, if any. Accordingly, the further course of action will be decided. As of now, the PU has not received any request from the students,” said a PU spokesperson.

Over 250 students from different parts Afghanistan are currently studying at Chandigarh University, Gharuan.

“Some of the students, who are in the final year, are on the verge of completing their degrees in India. A request letter has been sent to the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, to extend their visas (stay in India) as there is a lot of uncertainty in Afghanistan. Meanwhile, there are some Afghan students, who have recently come to India. They are really worried about the safety of their family members back home,” said a university spokesperson.

“The communication network is completely down in Afghanistan and we are unable to talk to our family members. The last I had a word with my family was on August 7 and they advised me to stay in India and not return to Afghanistan,” said Amin, a final-year Civil Engineering student. — TNS