Srinagar, April 5 – The Jammu & Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) wrote to External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar on Sunday, requesting his intervention for the urgent return of the mortal remains of Bilal Manzoor Ganie, a Kashmiri youth who died in Saudi Arabia.
In a statement, JKSA National Convenor Nasir Khuehami expressed deep grief over the untimely death of Bilal Manzoor Ganie, a resident of Sogam, Chountiwari, in Lolab, in the Kupwara district of north Kashmir.
The JKSA stated that Bilal had been working in Saudi Arabia for the past one and a half years as a nursing assistant at Aaba International Hospital, where he was pursuing a career in the healthcare sector.
On Saturday (April 4), he tragically suffered a sudden cardiac arrest and was rushed to the same hospital, where doctors declared him "brought dead".
Bilal's sudden and untimely death has caused shock in his native village.
"He was widely regarded as a dedicated, hardworking, and compassionate young individual, and his death has deeply affected his family and the entire community," said the JKSA national convenor.
The JKSA said it has formally taken up the matter with the External Affairs Minister and requested his intervention to direct the relevant authorities, including the Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia and local authorities, to facilitate the return of Bilal's remains to India to perform the last rites according to the family's cultural and religious traditions.
The Association acknowledged that such cases involve procedural requirements, legal formalities, documentation, and coordination with authorities in Saudi Arabia, and assured complete cooperation in the process.
The JKSA further stated that it is "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".
The Association expressed hope for a swift response from the Ministry of External Affairs, while appreciating its continued efforts in assisting Indian citizens abroad during distressing situations.
