The Trafficking of Kashmiri Youth to Thailand’s Golden Triangle
By: Javid Amin
Srinagar 19 April 2025: In the serene valleys of Kashmir, where hope often springs eternal, a dark reality is unfolding—young men, lured by the promise of lucrative jobs abroad, are finding themselves trapped in exploitative networks. The story of Sameer Ahmad Bhat, a youth from Pattan in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district, is a chilling reminder of the dangers lurking behind seemingly attractive job offers. Sameer’s family is now desperately pleading for his rescue after he was imprisoned and abused near the infamous Golden Triangle, a remote area where the borders of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar converge.
The Journey of Hope That Turned to Despair
Sameer Ahmad Bhat left his home five months ago, filled with excitement and optimism about a job opportunity in Thailand. Like many Kashmiri youth, he hoped to support his family financially and build a better future. To secure the job, Sameer paid Rs 1.2 lakh to a local consultant who promised him employment abroad.
However, upon arriving in Thailand, Sameer’s dreams quickly unraveled. Instead of finding stable work, he was transferred from one company to another without receiving any salary. His current location is believed to be near the Golden Triangle, a region notorious for human trafficking and criminal activities.
Imprisoned and Abused: A Family’s Nightmare
Sameer’s family describes his harrowing ordeal, revealing that he is subjected to daily abuse and torture. His captors have forced him to contact his family, demanding more money and threatening him with further harm if he refuses to comply.
“He called us crying. He said they beat him and don’t give him food. They are forcing him to work in online scams,” said his father, Ghulam Ahmad Bhat. Sameer’s captors are reportedly pressuring him to lure more Kashmiri youth into similar traps, exploiting his vulnerability to expand their network.
His mother, overwhelmed with fear and grief, shared, “He told me they are treating him like a slave. He begged us to save him. We are a poor family. We don’t have more money to send. We just want him back.”
A Plea for Intervention
The family has filed a complaint with the local police station against the consultant who arranged Sameer’s travel. They have also appealed to the Jammu and Kashmir government and the Indian Embassy in Thailand to intervene and ensure his safe return.
“We want the government to help us. He went there to work, not to suffer. Please bring him back,” his father pleaded.
A Growing Crisis: The Trafficking of Kashmiri Youth
Sameer’s case is not an isolated incident. Reports have emerged of Kashmiri youth being trafficked under the guise of overseas job offers. While earlier investigations focused on young men being lured to Saudi Arabia, a new pattern has surfaced: many are now being trafficked to countries like Thailand, where they end up trapped in exploitative or criminal setups.
The Golden Triangle: A Hub of Exploitation
The Golden Triangle has long been associated with illicit activities, including drug trafficking and human exploitation. Vulnerable individuals, like Sameer, are often coerced into working in online scams or other illegal operations, with no means of escape.
The Role of Local Consultants
Local job consultants play a significant role in these trafficking networks, exploiting the aspirations of Kashmiri youth. By promising lucrative jobs abroad, they lure individuals into paying hefty sums, only to abandon them in foreign lands.
Warnings and Precautions
Sameer’s family has issued a warning to others in Kashmir, urging them to be cautious about overseas job offers. They emphasized the importance of verifying opportunities through official channels to avoid falling into similar traps.
“We don’t want anyone else to suffer like this. Please be careful and check everything before trusting anyone,” his brother said.
A Call to Action
The growing crisis demands immediate attention from authorities and communities alike.
- Government Intervention: The Jammu and Kashmir administration must collaborate with international agencies to rescue trapped individuals and dismantle trafficking networks.
- Awareness Campaigns: Educating youth about the risks of unverified job offers can prevent future cases.
- Strict Regulation of Consultants: Local job consultants must be monitored and held accountable for fraudulent activities.
