Kashmiri Students Rally to Bring Sabha Rasool Home After Tragedy

The tragic death of Sabha Rasool, a medical student from Kashmir, in Iran prompted a swift and coordinated response from her peers. On August 15, 2023, Rasool’s passing sent shockwaves through the community, igniting urgent calls for action among her fellow students. Within hours, members of the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) mobilized to ensure her body could be repatriated home.

Rapid Response and Coordination

Messages flooded in from concerned classmates, calling for immediate intervention. By mid-morning, over thirty messages highlighted the urgency: “We need urgent intervention,” and “It’s critical, we don’t know what to do.” Recognizing the importance of a quick response, JKSA volunteers began gathering Rasool’s medical records, passport details, and formal letters from her peers.

By 10 a.m., the team had submitted all necessary documentation to S. Jaishankar, India’s External Affairs Minister. Simultaneously, they reached out to various officials, including members of parliament and local leaders such as Mehbooba Mufti and Altaf Bukhari. By 14:00, the Union Minister of State for External Affairs, Pabitra Margherita, assured the group of support and requested further details.

This collaborative effort was not unfamiliar to JKSA. Earlier in 2023, as tensions escalated in the region, the association had successfully coordinated the safe return of hundreds of Kashmiri students from Iran, including Rasool herself, during a period of heightened fear.

Addressing Misinformation and Challenges

Despite the chaos and grief, misinformation emerged as a significant challenge. A video statement from Rasool’s brother accused JKSA of negligence, claiming they had leaked sensitive information and pressured officials for a post-mortem. However, the organization clarified its role: JKSA is not a charity and does not provide financial aid; instead, it focuses on coordination and advocacy. Over the past nine years, the association has assisted more than 50,000 students globally, facilitating the repatriation of over fifty deceased students.

Throughout the ordeal, JKSA meticulously recorded all communications. They compiled WhatsApp logs, phone calls, and emails, sharing over twenty recordings with authorities and journalists to authenticate their efforts. Any discussions related to medical conditions or procedural delays came directly from those on the ground, underscoring the transparency of their role.

The days stretched into a tense waiting period, filled with continuous follow-ups with officials and diplomats. Volunteers worked tirelessly, often sacrificing sleep to ensure every detail was attended to, understanding that every moment counted.

Finally, Rasool’s body arrived in Srinagar, where she was laid to rest at her family home in Safakadal. For her family and the community, it marked a bittersweet relief. Yet, it also served as a stark reminder of the mission that drives JKSA: to mobilize resources and advocate for students facing crises abroad.

As a lifeline for Kashmiri students, JKSA confronts bureaucratic hurdles and facilitates communication with diplomats during emergencies. Their commitment to transparency and selfless service has earned them the trust of countless families. This incident reaffirmed the importance of community networks that bridge the gap between students and governmental support.

The death of Sabha Rasool not only highlights the vulnerabilities faced by students studying far from home but also reinforces JKSA’s ongoing mission to ensure safety and dignity for students worldwide. As they navigate these challenging circumstances, the organization remains steadfast in its commitment to advocate for students and their families, ensuring that grief does not become an insurmountable obstacle.

The author is the National Convener of the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association.