Briefing media about the Coronavirus (COVID-19), Iran’s Deputy Health Minister, Iraj Harirchi suddenly started sweating and shivering. The sight was horrible. Hours later, Iranian media confirmed that the minister has been infected by the fatal virus.
The fast spreading virus has become a matter of serious concern around the world but its ominous spread in Iran was especially worrying for Kashmiris. China, where the virus began and has consumed most of the lives, is closer to Kashmir but the level of panic that Iranian crisis has caused is far more serious. The reason is Kashmir’s connections with Iran. Several hundred Kashmiris are currently in Iran for educational or business purposes.
Qom, the epicentre of the deadly virus in Iran, has recorded most of the deaths in the country. It houses the second largest religious seminary of the Shia Muslim world after Najaf in Iraq. Every year hundreds of young men and women from Kashmir, Jammu and Ladakh seek admission in the seminary to pursue their careers in Islamic jurisprudence. They often take their families with them.
Religious education apart, Iran has gradually emerged a favourite destination for Kashmiri students for pursuing medical science and engineering courses. Estimate suggest there are roughly five hundred Kashmiris that include students pursuing various courses, the seminary students and their families presently spread out in four big states of Iran Tehran, Qom, Isfahan and Shiraz.
Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS) has 159 Kashmiri enrolment. In a letter to Indian ambassador in Tehran the University authorities have confirmed this number. The authorities also expressed willingness to send the students back on Novroz vacation if New Delhi can facilitate the process of their return.
This story is from the March 01-07, 2020; Curious Case of Shah Faesal; Issue 48 Vol 11 edition of Kashmir Life.
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This story is from the March 01-07, 2020; Curious Case of Shah Faesal; Issue 48 Vol 11 edition of Kashmir Life.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
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