Mysuru: Following the takeover of Afghanistan by Taliban, a group of Afghan students studying in Mysuru met the University of Mysore officials on Tuesday August 18 requesting extension of visa, and thereby allowing them to stay in the city for a longer period time.
University of Mysore Vice Chancellor Prof. G. Hemanth Kumar and Registrar Prof. R. Shivappa heard their concern and extended moral support to them. “We are like family and will take care of you,” said VC reassuring the disturbed students. Mysore University has promised to respond to the Afghan nationals who are studying in Mysuru.
Speaking to media persons, Hemanth Kumar said that, “as many as 92 students from Afghanistan are studying at the University. Till now there has been no demand from Afghan students. If they ask anything, we will look into that. University examinations will start from September 20 and it will continue up to October. So, all are engaged in exams preparations. We will stand with Afghan students. International Centre at the varsity is taking care of them and those who seek some facilities will be duly provided.”
He promised that University will coordinate with the Ministry of External Affairs about the plea for Visa extension.
Halima Akbari
A student Halima Akbari who hails from Ghazni province in Afghanistan told reporters that they are worried about their country and family. There are seven members in my family who are highly stressed. Still they have advised me to focus on studies and stay peacefully in India. Akbari regretted the turmoil as bad fate, as her mother too had to stop her education during Taliban regime earlier. Now, as they took over the country again, Afghan women are under threat. “My mother is happy about my studies in India, particularly Political Science. We will appeal to University of Mysore and External Affairs Ministry to consider Visa extension. We will continue our studies and stay here for a while,” said Akbari.
She went on to say that under Taliban, people are on the verge of losing their freedom and the future of people, especially girl child, is under dark. World community must speak, without continuing to maintain silence on Taliban and try to clear the fearful atmosphere in Afghanistham, she urged.
Another student from Kabul City Ali Seena Sarabi has opted for International Studies. “My parents were government employees till yesterday. They are staying indoors,” said Sarabi. Most of the students are happy to stay in Mysuru and we appeal to External Affairs Ministry to consider extension of visa period for temporary period. We are thankful to the University of Mysore and India for standing with Afghan students,” he said. Reza Sharfia who spoke in a smattering of Kannada said “We are neither able to stay calm nor able to take food properly. We can’t digest the situation happening in our country. We wish that peace returns to Afghanistan.”
