Kashmiri youth held hostage in Myanmar: MEA assures action after JKSA appeal

Srinagar, Mar 12: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has responded to an appeal by the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) regarding the abduction of Faizan Rasool, a Kashmiri youth from Safakadal, Srinagar, who has been held hostage by human traffickers in Myanmar.

Nasir Khuehami, National Convenor of JKSA, confirmed that the MEA has assured them that India’s Mission in Myanmar has taken up the matter with concerned authorities, including Faizan’s specific case.

In its official statement, the MEA said: "Requests for the rescue and repatriation of all Indian nationals, including Kashmiri youth Faizan Rasool, entrapped in Myawaddy, have been forwarded to the concerned authorities in Myanmar. We are actively working on it."

The Ministry also urged Indian nationals to be cautious about fraudulent job offers abroad, advising individuals to verify employment opportunities through proper channels before traveling.

Faizan Rasool was lured to Myanmar with false job promises and is now being held for a ransom of ₹4.5 lakh by traffickers. His family is in distress and unable to pay the demanded amount.

Earlier, JKSA had written to External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, seeking immediate diplomatic intervention. Welcoming the MEA’s response, Khuehami stressed the urgency of the case, saying: "While we appreciate the Ministry’s swift action, Faizan’s life is at immediate risk. The government must escalate efforts to ensure his safe return."

JKSA has also called for awareness campaigns and stricter action against trafficking networks operating in India and abroad to prevent more innocent lives from falling victim to such scams.