The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association on Sunday has written to Union External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, seeking immediate intervention in the case of Faizan Rasool, a 28-year-old youth from Safakadal, Srinagar, who has fallen victim to human trafficking and is currently being held hostage in Myanmar.
In its letter to the External Affairs Minister, the National Convenor of the Association, Nasir Khuehami, said that Faizan was lured by false promises of employment in Thailand. He, along with a friend, traveled to Bangkok in search of better opportunities. However, their journey turned into a harrowing ordeal when they were forced to undertake a 15-hour bus journey, cross a river, and were subsequently taken into Myanmar, a region notorious for human trafficking, forced labor, and organized crime.
Now held captive, Faizan’s abductors have demanded a ransom of ₹4.5 lakh for his release, threatening dire consequences if the amount is not paid. His family, already struggling financially, is devastated and fears for his life. His mother, holding an old photograph of her son, pleads, “He left home with dreams in his eyes… now we don’t even know if he’s alive.” His father, his voice trembling, adds, “We are helpless. If the government does not act, we may never see our son again,” the letter reads.
Their anguish is compounded by the fact that this is not an isolated incident. Recently, another Kashmiri youth, also named Faizan, returned home after his family paid a similar ransom, leaving them burdened with debt. These cases highlight a deeply troubling pattern where young Kashmiris, desperate for employment, are being lured by traffickers, only to be exploited or held captive for ransom. Such incidents point to a growing trend of human traffickers preying on young Kashmiris seeking employment abroad, Khuehami said.
In its appeal, the Association urged the Union External Affairs Minister to intervene through diplomatic channels and engage with Myanmar authorities to locate and secure Faizan Rasool’s release. It called for immediate coordination between Indian diplomatic missions in Thailand and Myanmar to expedite negotiations and ensure his safe return.
The association has also requested law enforcement agencies to take decisive action against trafficking networks targeting Indian youth. It has stressed the need for a strong travel advisory to prevent further exploitation of job-seeking individuals. “Every passing day increases the risk to Faizan Rasool’s life. With traffickers growing bolder and families left powerless, we appeal to the Union External Affairs Minister to act swiftly and decisively before another innocent life is lost,” the association stated.
Khuehami urged the Union External Affairs Minister to prioritize this case on humanitarian grounds and ensure that all diplomatic channels are explored to facilitate Faizan’s safe return. The association expressed hope that the Ministry of External Affairs will act promptly, ensuring that all necessary diplomatic measures are taken to bring Faizan back home safely.
