Five workers from J&K killed in Kuwait road accident
Jammu, April 9
Five workers belonging to J&K have been killed in a road accident in Kuwait, and the families demanded the return of their bodies on Thursday.
The five persons comprised one from Thanamandi in Rajouri and four from Surankote in Poonch.
The families of the killed workers have appealed to authorities for the return of their bodies.
The victims, all reported to be labourers working in Kuwait, had travelled to the Gulf country to earn a livelihood for their families when the accident occurred. The incident has triggered grief across their native areas, particularly in Thanamandi and Surankote, where relatives and residents are mourning the loss of the deceased.
Family members of the victims have urged the Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor and the Chief Minister to facilitate the return of the bodies at the earliest so that last rites can be performed in their hometowns.
Reports said that all five people were killed after two vehicles collided on a Kuwait highway. The identities of all the deceased are expected to be confirmed formally as authorities coordinate with relevant agencies and diplomatic channels.
Locals from Jammu and Kashmir frequently migrate to Gulf countries, including Kuwait, in search of employment, particularly in labour-intensive sectors, to support their families back home.
Thousands of students typically visit Iran for low-cost education and cultural ties, with many now facing disruptions to their studies and livelihood, including the Kashmiri handicraft export sector.
Approximately 1,200 Kashmiri students, primarily studying medicine (MBBS), were recently evacuated from Iran due to regional conflicts, with most safely returning via Azerbaijan by early April 2026.
Most of these Kashmiri students were studying medicine in cities like Qom and Isfahan.
Following regional instability and a ceasefire in early April 2026, about 1,100 students returned home, with the remainder departing through the Azerbaijan border.
Iran is a popular choice for Kashmiri students due to low tuition fees, English-medium programmes, and close cultural/religious affinities, particularly for those from Shia communities.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Such a tragic loss. It highlights the risks our migrant workers face abroad. While the focus is on bringing them home, we also need better support systems and safety protocols for Indians working in the Gulf. My condolences.
Very sad news. The authorities should not delay even for a minute. Performing the last rites at home is crucial for the families' peace. Hope the LG and CM intervene personally.
This is the harsh reality for so many from J&K and other states. They leave everything behind for a better life and face such dangers. The article also mentions students returning from Iran... it feels like our youth are constantly navigating instability abroad. We need stronger diplomacy and protection.
A respectful criticism: The article jumps from the Kuwait accident to students in Iran, which is a bit disjointed. Both are important issues about Indians abroad, but they deserve separate, focused coverage. That said, the core tragedy is devastating. Speedy repatriation is the immediate need.
Om Shanti. May their souls find peace. The families' appeal is absolutely valid. It's the least our system can do for them after such a loss. I hope the MEA and local admin work on a war footing.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.