Medical students from IoK studying in Azad Kashmir in dire financial need, unable to contact families back home

Ever since the Indian government abrogated Article 370 from its constitution that granted special status to Indian-occupied Kashmir (IoK), the students from IoK studying in the of medical colleges in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) have been in dire need of financial aid as they are not able to get in touch with their families back home.

Since August 5, 10 students belonging from occupied Kashmir and studying at medical colleges are living off on loans and donations. Being completely cut off from their families back home, due to suspension of internet and pre-paid services, these students have been left to their own devices for the past three months.

A student from Mirpur Medical College AJK on the condition of anonymity told Business Recorder that due to the suspension of internet connections, he cannot make any transactions through online banking. He further said he had finally made contact with his family few days ago when India restored post-paid services, adding that, even then he had difficulty hearing his family.

"Everything was fine before Ramazan. But all this happened after Prime Minister Imran Khan met United States President Donald Trump. It is going to get worse after October 31, when the order will take effect," the student said. When asked if his college had helped him during the crisis, the student replied that he had approached the administration and they had agreed to give him time to pay the dues, but said that they could not allow him to study for free.

Unfortunately, the same could not be said about the students in Poonch Medical College Rawalakot, whose administration when approached said they could not help. The students are living off on help from their fellow students and waiting for a miracle.

"Some students have relatives and cousins living abroad and they get help. But what about those who only have family and relatives in IoK? They are left to fend off for themselves," a medical student said.

However, during this tough time, these 10 students have found a beacon of hope in Sohaib Ahmed Khan and his friend. Sohaib, who continuously remains in contact with the students, raised his voice at several platforms, even writing letters to AJK Prime Minister Raja Farooq Haider.

When he was unable to receive any help, Sohaib resorted to asking for donations. "This was the last option left. After receiving no help, we started asking for donations," he said. A friend came forward and gave 20,000 each to the 10 students, three of those who are females. However, the amount has been spent by the students and they await any aid that can come their way.

After repeatedly calling for help, the AJK PM finally took notice and said he will look into the matter. However, when the students came to visit him, he did not give them enough time, cutting them short and leaving with  'I have taken into account of your problems', a student revealed. They have not heard from him since.

Moreover, some of these students have also appealed to the AJK government to grant them scholarships. However, the only reply they get from the government is that 'they will do it'. Not only that, issues regarding their degree registrations in India are a problem too. "The Indian Embassy Islamabad has refused to attest our degrees, thus leaving us in lurch and a completely troublesome state," a student said.

Those wanting to provide financial aid to these students may contact Sohaib Ahmed Khan on his email address:[email protected].