The Liberia International Students Solidarity Movement(LISSM) is calling on the government of Liberia to ensure swift intervention for the return of Liberian students studying in India.
A release from the international students organization quotes its Chairman, Henscin Dehgar that their call is triggered by the ongoing conflict between India and its neighboring country, Pakistan.
The release quotes Chairman Dehgar as saying the crisis is escalating thus posing threats to the lives of students and citizens of Liberia residing in that Ancient country either for education or better living conditions.
The LISSM release noted that the escalating crisis has resulted in death threats against Liberians in India especially the students who are seeking higher education and aim to return to Liberia for a better society that will impact their lives including their loved ones.
LISSM release further asserted that the government of Liberia’s speedy intervention will save Liberians from potential health threats due to the use of heavy weapons by the two countries.
Meanwhile, the Liberia International Students Movement is calling on Liberians to rally support for the speedy return of students to India; noting that the situation requires the efforts of every Liberian.
The Chairperson of the Liberia International Students Movement , Henscin Dehgar according to the release described the situation Liberians are faced with in that part of the world as appalling considering the difficult living conditions.
Chairman Dehgar of the International Student body further disclosed that Liberia does not have an embassy in India to expeditiously help return students and Liberians as such; the intervention of the government cannot be over-emphasized.
The Liberia International Students Movement Chairman Henscin Dehgar is encouraging parents not to panic ; noting that efforts are being asserted through diplomatic means to ensure their colleagues return to Liberia safely.
However, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, over the weekend, assured the public that at the moment, there is no immediate threat to the lives and safety of Liberian students residing in India as a direct consequence of the India-Pakistan conflict.
The announcement came as tensions between India and Pakistan erupted in the Kashmir region, earlier this week. In bilateral talks with the Embassy of the Republic of India in Monrovia, while seeking the welfare of Liberians in India, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs received assurances that no known member of the Liberian community in India works, studies, or resides anywhere near the region affected by the reported conflict.
The Ministry said it also engaged the President of the Association of Liberian Students in India, who confirmed that Liberians were not currently in harm’s way, but to ensure a first-hand analysis, the Ministry will dispatch a delegation to India to assess the security and welfare of Liberian citizens.
In the meantime, consultations that commenced in 2024 regarding establishing diplomatic presence in New Delhi continues between the Republic of Liberia and the Republic of India. In other developments, the Foreign Ministry is also working tirelessly to ensure the safety of the Liberians stranded at the border of Myanmar and Thailand.
The Ministry with support of the Liberian Embassy in Beijing is working with the International Organization on Migration (IOM) to secure their entry into Thailand and subsequent repatriation. As it relates to the reports of a Liberian student stranded in Ukraine, the Ministry has been engaging the family as well as the Ukrainian authorities, and the Ministry is taking necessary steps in line with international protocols.
Meanwhile, the United State Government said it has brokered ceasefire between India and Pakistan. According to a press release, over the past 48 hours, Vice President Vance and Secretary of State, Marco Rubio engaged with senior Indian and Pakistani officials, including Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Shehbaz Sharif, External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir, and National Security Advisors Ajit Doval and Asim Malik.
“I am pleased to announce the Governments of India and Pakistan have agreed to an immediate ceasefire and to start talks on a broad set of issues at a neutral site”, the release said.
“We commend Prime Ministers Modi and Sharif on their wisdom, prudence, and statesmanship in choosing the path of peace”, the release concluded.
