Srinagar: The Jammu & Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) on Sunday has written to External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar, seeking his intervention for the urgent repatriation of the mortal remains of a Kashmiri youth who passed away in Saudi Arabia.
In a statement, the JKSA expressed grief over the demise of Bilal Manzoor Ganie, son of Manzoor Ahmad Ganie, a resident of Chountiwari, Sogam, Lolab in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district.
Association said that Ganie had been working in Saudi Arabia for the past one-and-half years as a nursing assistant at Aaba International Hospital. On April 4, 2026, he tragically suffered a sudden cardiac arrest and was rushed to the same hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead.
JKSA stated that his sudden and untimely demise has sent shockwaves across his native village and adjoining areas of Lolab in Kupwara district.
Association said it has formally taken up the matter with the External Affairs Minister and seeks his intervention to direct the concerned authorities, including the Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia and relevant local authorities, to facilitate the expeditious repatriation of the mortal remains of Ganie to India.
JKSA highlighted that the bereaved family wishes to bring back his mortal remains to his homeland to perform the last rites in accordance with their cultural and religious traditions. It noted that while such cases involve procedural requirements, legal formalities, documentation, and coordination with authorities in Saudi Arabia, the Association fully understands these processes and has assured complete cooperation to ensure there are no delays.
JKSA stated that it stands ready to extend every possible assistance, including coordination with the family, hospital authorities, local contacts, and the concerned diplomatic missions, to ensure that the process is carried out smoothly, swiftly, and with due dignity.
Appealing on humanitarian grounds, JKSA urged the External Affairs Minister for immediate and compassionate intervention so that the grieving family may have the opportunity to see their loved one last time and perform his final rites with dignity.
It also emphasized that the family urgently requires assistance in bringing the mortal remains back to their ancestral home for the last rites without any delay.
The Association expressed hope for a prompt response from the Ministry of External Affairs and appreciated its continued efforts in assisting Indian citizens abroad during distressing situations, noting that such timely interventions provide immense solace and closure to bereaved families.
