Over 470 students evacuated by Andhra, Telangana amid India-Pak border tensions

In a large-scale rescue mission dubbed “Operation Sindoor”, the Andhra Pradesh and Telangana governments have safely evacuated 476 students and residents stranded in conflict-hit areas near the India-Pakistan border. As tensions between the two nations ease following a May 10 ceasefire, state authorities acted swiftly to bring back citizens from Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat, ensuring they received food, shelter, transport and medical care upon arrival.

According to the Andhra Pradesh government, 441 students have been brought to Andhra Pradesh Bhavan in Delhi. Of these, 158 have already returned to their hometowns, while 283 remain under state care. The evacuated group includes 130 students from NIT Srinagar, 120 from Lovely Professional University, and others from institutions like Sher-e-Kashmir University and Iamrin Tech Skills University. Emergency train travel has been facilitated for many through 40 special quota letters, while a 24x7 control room is helping coordinate further movement.

The Telangana government also confirmed the successful evacuation of 126 individuals, including 50 students from NIT Srinagar, along with faculty, employees, and other students from conflict areas. As of now, 57 have returned home, while the rest continue to be accommodated at Telangana Bhavan in New Delhi with full logistical support.

Officials from both states reiterated that all evacuees are receiving free lodging, meals, healthcare and onward transport. Authorities are closely monitoring the ground situation in border areas to assess if more residents need to be brought back. The evacuation comes days after one of the deadliest escalations in recent history, triggered by an April 22 terror attack that killed 26 tourists in Jammu and Kashmir.