Srinagar, Apr 13: Sitting in his small room in Safa Kadal, Srinagar, Faizan Rasool shared the painful story of his life’s worst journey. His family sat around him, smiling through tears, calling his safe return “the happiest day of our lives.”
Faizan had left home on December 11, 2024, full of hope for a better future. Like many young people in Kashmir, he dreamed of getting a good job and helping his family. He got a job offer through a Telegram contact, which promised a good salary, free travel, and a safe workplace.
But the dream soon turned into a nightmare. Faizan said after reaching Thailand, he and his friend were picked up at the airport and taken on an 8 to 9-hour journey by car. They were then forced to cross a river and later realized they were no longer in Thailand; they had crossed the border into Myanmar.
Once there, they understood it was all a scam. Faizan said the company was forcing people to commit cyber fraud. But he refused. “I said I don’t want to cheat anyone, and I don’t want anyone to curse me,” Faizan told Rising Kashmir, holding back tears.
Because of his refusal, the company asked for $4500 in USD to release him. His family could not pay such a huge amount. Life became very hard for Faizan. “We were tortured physically and mentally. They forced us to do push-ups as punishment. It was a very tough life,” he recalled.
For many days, Faizan lost all hope. But he kept praying and believed in God. Then one day, the Myanmar army raided the scam centre and rescued all the trapped people. Faizan said they were taken to a camp, where they stayed for one and a half months. Their phones and passports were taken away.
Finally, the Indian Embassy stepped in to help. Faizan said the Embassy worked hard to bring them back home. “On February 9, they told us we would be flying to India. I can’t explain how happy I was to hear those words,” he smiled.
Even now, Faizan says he feels like he is still dreaming. “I still check myself to make sure I’m not in that place anymore.” He thanked the Jammu and Kashmir Police, especially the CID wing, for their help in bringing him back safely.
Now that he is home, Faizan wants other young people to be careful. “Before you take any job, please check everything carefully. I was in a hurry for a job and I did not check. I don’t want anyone else to suffer like I did.”
For his family, his return is nothing less than a gift from God. Their house, once silent with fear, is now full of smiles and prayers of thanks.
