Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Aug 21: The Taliban have seized power in Afghanistan. The insurgents have stormed across the country, capturing all major cities in a matter of days. Afghan students’ association in the city met police commissioner N Shashi Kumar on Saturday August 21 and expressed their concerns.

The police commissioner interacted with the students. Out of 58 students, 11 have gone back and 47 are staying with some of their family members.

Speaking to media, N Shashi Kumar said, “Students from Afghanistan are studying in various colleges across Mangaluru. The students’ association have approached us looking at the developments in Afghanistan. We assure complete support to the Afghan students and will coordinate with them if they want to speak to their families back home.”

The various concerns raised by the students were:

1. Visas may expire by September for those students who are in final year, visa extension for about 6 months would be useful.

2. For those students who have gone to Afghanistan and are stuck, if government can help them to come back so that they would not be left out in the academic year.

3. For those who want to go back to reunite with their families may be facilitated.

4. Refugee status be given to those who want to continue their stay here only.

5. If some liberal consideration is given for students here to work also so that they can take care of their livelihood till situation normalises.

6. Many students who are selected for educational support by government of India may be given emergency visa from Afghanistan to come here as academic year is commencing.