India asks its nationals in Iran to leave by available means
New Delhi (PTI): India on Wednesday asked all its nationals residing in Iran to leave by available means and avoid any travel to the country as tensions mounted over possible military intervention by the US over Tehran's crackdown on nationwide protests that killed over 2,500 people.
In a fresh advisory, the Indian embassy in Tehran urged all Indians, including students, pilgrims, business persons and tourists, to leave Iran by available means of transport, including commercial flights.
According to estimates, a little over 10,000 Indians, including students, are currently living in Iran.
The mission also urged all Indian citizens and PIOs (Persons of Indian Origin) to exercise due caution, avoid areas of protests or demonstrations and stay in contact with the embassy.
It also urged the Indian nationals to have their travel and immigration documents, including passports, readily available. Indians living in Iran on resident visas were also advised to register with the embassy.
In case any Indian national is unable to register due to internet disruptions in Iran, their families in India are requested to do so, the mission said.
"In view of the evolving situation in Iran, Indian nationals who are currently in Iran (students, pilgrims, business persons and tourists) are advised to leave Iran by available means of transport, including commercial flights," the embassy said.
India's advisory came amid rising tensions in Iran and the region after Trump indicated military action if Tehran continues its crackdown on the protesters.
"If they hang them, you're going to see some things... We will take very strong action if they do such a thing," the US president told CBS News.
In a message to the protesters, Trump said on Tuesday that "help is on the way". The US president has already announced a 25 per cent tariff on countries having trade with Tehran.
The protests began late last month in Tehran after the Iranian currency rial plunged to record lows. The protests have since spread to all 31 provinces, evolving from an agitation against economic woes to a demand for political change.
Separately, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) advised Indians to avoid travelling to Iran.
In view of the ongoing developments in Iran, Indian nationals are once again strongly advised to avoid travel to the Islamic Republic of Iran until further notice, it said.
In a previous advisory issued on January 5, the MEA urged its nationals to avoid non-essential travel to Iran.
It had also asked Indian citizens and PIOs residing in Iran to exercise due caution and avoid visiting areas of protests.
The overall situation in Iran in the last few days has deteriorated dramatically as the death toll from the nationwide protests has increased to over 2,500, according to US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA).
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Telangana: Farm labourer dies after kite string cuts throat
Hyderabad (PTI): A 38-year-old farm labourer from Uttar Pradesh died on Wednesday after a kite string cut his throat in Sangareddy district, police said.
The incident occurred while he was riding a two-wheeler in Fasalwadi village on his way to buy vegetables.
Preliminary investigations suggest the kite string was not 'Chinese manja' (synthetic/nylon kite string), officials said.
“Prima facie, it does not appear to be 'Chinese manja'; however, we will seek expert opinion and investigate scientifically,” Superintendent of Police Paritosh Pankaj told PTI.
The string reportedly entangled the man’s neck, causing a deep cut and severe bleeding. He was taken to a hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries, a police official said.
A case has been registered, and investigations are ongoing.
A police official and another person, reportedly sustained injuries in separate incidents in the city over the past few days after kite strings cut their throats.
Ahead of the Sankranti festival, Hyderabad City Police have stepped up enforcement against the banned 'Chinese manja' to curb its sale, storage, and transportation.
Over the past month, police have registered more than 100 cases, seized the banned item, and arrested those involved in its sale.
The Telangana government banned 'Chinese manja' in 2016 due to its threat to humans, birds, and the environment.
Sale and use of the string is illegal and punishable with imprisonment of up to five years and a fine of up to Rs one lakh, police added.
