• Says; sustained diplomatic efforts by MEA reunited him with his family

SRINAGAR: The Jammu & Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) on Monday expressed its gratitude to the Union External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) for their timely intervention, sustained diplomatic engagement, and efforts that culminated in the safe return of Kashmiri youth Amjad Ali, a resident of Baramulla district in Jammu & Kashmir, who had remained in a Saudi jail for nearly three months.

National Convenor of the Association, Nasir Khuehami, said that Amjad, a healthcare professional employed in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, was reportedly taken into custody by the Saudi Civil Defence authorities in March 2026 while at his workplace. According to Amjad, several security officials arrived at his office and informed him that he was required for questioning, assuring him that the process would take only a couple of hours.

He cooperated fully and accompanied the officials to the police station, where his passport and identification documents were confiscated. He was asked to sign an acknowledgement before being questioned over a Facebook post he had shared on March 5 expressing condolences over the death of Iranian leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Amjad maintained that it was merely a condolence message and nothing more.Khuehami said Amjad was subsequently shifted to a jail facility, where he remained confined for nearly three months without being formally informed of the charges against him.

The prolonged silence and uncertainty plunged his family into immense anxiety and emotional distress.Concerned over the absence of Concerned over the lack of communication, the Association took up the matter with the Government of India and wrote to External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, seeking urgent diplomatic intervention. It urged the Ministry of External Affairs to engage with the Saudi authorities, direct the Indian Embassy in Riyadh to establish contact with Amjad, ensure consular access and legal assistance, and make every effort to secure his early release if no substantial charges were established.

The Association also informed the Ministry that Amjad had no history of unlawful or extremist activities and had travelled to Saudi Arabia solely to earn a livelihood and support his family.Khuehami said that, following sustained diplomatic engagement by the Ministry of External Affairs, Amjad was released on June 25, following which the Saudi authorities facilitated his return to India.

He has now safely reached his home in Baramulla and has finally been reunited with his family after enduring nearly three months of uncertainty, separation, and emotional trauma.The reunion has brought immense relief to the family after months of anguish. The Association expressed gratitude to External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar for his prompt attention and humanitarian approach, stating that his leadership has consistently ensured that the welfare and safety of Indian nationals abroad remain a top priority.

Association said the Ministry of External Affairs has repeatedly demonstrated its commitment to extending timely consular assistance and diplomatic support to Indians facing distress overseas, and that Amjad's safe return stands as yet another testament to that commitment. The Association noted that the Ministry's sustained diplomatic efforts and constant engagement played a decisive role in bringing this sensitive humanitarian matter to a successful conclusion.JKSA also acknowledged the constructive role played by sections of the media in highlighting the family's concerns and ensuring that the matter received due public attention.

Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). ā€œHis article, ā€˜When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.ā€.  Read the message here
In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

       LOOK_HERE.jpg Esteemed readers, for your convenience, we have categorized our news publishing into following šŸ‘‡