Srinagar, April 15 -- The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association on Monday expressed gratitude to external affairs minister S Jaishankar for swift and timely intervention that led to the rescue and repatriation of two dozen Kashmiri youngsters, including Faizan Ahmad of Safakadal, Srinagar, who were trafficked and held captive in Myanmar under distressing conditions.

In a statement, Nasir Khuehami, national convener of the association, said these youngsters, hailing from economically weaker backgrounds, had been misled by fraudulent agents offering fake promises of jobs in Thailand. Upon reaching Bangkok, they were transported to Myanmar after a 15-hour bus journey and a forced river crossing. Once in Myanmar, they were held hostage in a...