Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association on Monday expressed gratitude to the External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, for his intervention that led to the rescue and repatriation of two dozen Kashmiri youth, including Faizan Ahmad of Safakadal, Srinagar, who were trafficked and held captive in Myanmar under distressing conditions.
In a JKSA statement, these youth hailing from economically weaker backgrounds had been misled by fraud agents with promises of jobs in Thailand. Upon reaching Bangkok, they were “transported to Myanmar after a 15-hour bus journey. Once in Myanmar, they were held hostage in areas notorious for human trafficking, forced labor, cybercrime networks, and organized criminal syndicates,” JKSA statement said.
It said that the traffickers demanded ransom money from the families of the victims. In the case of Faizan Ahmad, an amount of ₹4.5 lakh was demanded with threats of dire consequences.
“His family, already in financial distress, could not arrange the ransom. This was a common ordeal for many of the other victims,” JKSA added.
It said the Association had formally written to Dr. S. Jaishankar on March 10, seeking urgent intervention. “We are thankful that the Ministry responded the very next day, assuring us that the Indian Mission in Myanmar had already taken up the issue with the concerned authorities,” he said.
Khuehami quoted the MEA’s official communication dated March 11, which stated: “Requests for the rescue and repatriation of all Indian nationals, including Kashmiri youth Faizan Rasool, entrapped in Myawaddy, have been taken up with the concerned authorities in Myanmar. We are actively working on it.”
Following this assurance, robust diplomatic efforts were undertaken by the Indian Missions in Myanmar and Thailand, leading to the successful rescue of around a dozen individuals in the initial phase. All the rescued youth were brought back safely under full security arrangements and are currently undergoing counselling and debriefing, JKSA said.
“The timely intervention of Dr. S. Jaishankar and the dedicated efforts of the Indian Embassies have brought immense relief and hope to dozens of families who were plunged into despair. His leadership has once again reaffirmed that India stands with its citizens, even in the darkest corners of the world,” JKSA said.
