MEA urges caution as Indian youths reportedly trapped in Russian army
PTC Web Desk: In a concerning development, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has issued a statement urging caution as reports emerge of Indian nationals allegedly enlisted for support roles in the Russian army amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The MEA, in a statement, said the Indian embassy had been actively engaging with the Russian authorities to secure the early release of these youths.
Official MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaishwal said, "We are aware that a few Indian nationals have signed up for support jobs with the Russian army. The Indian Embassy has regularly taken up this matter with the relevant Russian authorities for their early release. We urge all Indian nationals to exercise due caution and stay away from this conflict."
The situation gained prominence with the case of Mohammad Sufiyan from Hyderabad, who, along with several other youths, allegedly fell victim to deceitful agents and found themselves involuntarily enlisted to fight for Russia in the Ukraine conflict. Sufiyan's family has appealed to both the Central Government and the Ministry of External Affairs for the safe evacuation of these trapped youths and stringent action against the implicated agents.
AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi has brought attention to the issue, urging the Indian government to engage with the Russian authorities for the swift repatriation of the 12 youths caught in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
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Imran, Sufiyan's brother, shared the disconcerting events surrounding the recruitment. "My brother was taken by Baba Blocks Company, which has offices in Dubai, Delhi, and Mumbai. The first batch went out on November 12, 2023. A total of 21 youths were sent, and Rs 3 lakh was taken from each one of them. They were made to sign an agreement in Russia on November 13," he explained.
Highlighting the deceptive promises made to the youth about obtaining army helper roles, Imran said they were ultimately drafted into the army and deployed within the Ukrainian borders. Despite seeking assistance from the Embassy and the Ministry of External Affairs, the family claims to have received no substantive response.
Imran pleaded, "Now, only the government and the External Affairs Ministry can help us. We would like to urge the government to evacuate the youths stuck there and then take strict action against these agents."
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