Asaduddin Owaisi urges Jaishankar to rescue three Indians forced into Russian War
PTC Web Desk: Asaduddin Owaisi, chief of AIMIM and MP from Hyderabad, on Wednesday appealed to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to rescue three Indian citizens reportedly coerced into fighting in Russia's war against Ukraine. According to a report in The Hindu, these three Indian citizens were deceived by an agent who sent them to Russia to work as "Army security helpers." The trio hails from Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Punjab, and Jammu and Kashmir, and this marks the first instance of Indians allegedly participating in the conflict alongside the Russian military.
Asaduddin Owaisi, referring to The Hindu's report, expressed concern for the safety of these individuals and their families and urged Jaishankar to intervene. He tweeted, "Kindly use your good offices to bring these men back home. Their lives are at risk and their families are justifiably worried."
Sir @DrSJaishankar kindly use your good offices to bring these men back home. Their lives are at risk & their families are justifiably worried. https://t.co/pDmvdeO5HZ — Asaduddin Owaisi (@asadowaisi) February 21, 2024
The situation came to light after the family of one victim from Hyderabad approached Owaisi for help. Last month, the AIMIM chief had written to Jaishankar and the Indian Embassy in Moscow seeking their intervention in the matter. The families have not heard from the these citizens for 25 days, and they are anxious to bring them back to India, as they are the primary breadwinners.
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One of the victims in his 20s shared with The Hindu that they had arrived in Russia in November 2023 through an agent named Faisal Khan, who operates a YouTube channel titled 'Baba Vlogs.' They were promised positions as helpers but were unexpectedly trained in handling arms and ammunition by the "Russian Army" and forced to fight at gunpoint at Rostov-on-Don along the Russia-Ukraine border.
The victim revealed, "We arrived here in November 2023, and were made to sign contracts which said that we are being hired as army security helpers. We were categorically told that we would not be sent to the battlefield and promised Rs 1.95 lakh salary and Rs 50,000 additional bonus per month. Except the Rs 50,000 bonus for two months, I have not received any money."
Attempting to escape, the victim faced threats at gunpoint but managed to flee on January 22, sustaining frostbite injuries and seeking medical attention. Despite pleas to the Indian Embassy in Moscow, he claimed to have been turned away multiple times, citing a lack of proper documents and financial support from the government.
(With inputs from agencies)
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