Kashmiri citizen missing in Russia, family appeal for government help

New Delhi, Feb 24: A Kashmiri resident, Zahoor Ahmed Sheikh from Hajinar, Tangdhar, Kupwara, in North Kashmir has been reported missing in Russia, sparking deep concern among his family members.

Through a message conveyed on the "X" platform by the J&K Student Association, the family has reached out to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), urging them to provide the necessary support to locate Zahoor and ensure his safe return home.

Zahoor Ahmed Sheikh, who was previously employed in Chandigarh, travelled to Russia in December 2023 accompanied by two companions, Arbaab from Uttar Pradesh and Asfaan from Hyderabad, as revealed in a tweet by the J&K Students Association.

The association has implored the MEA to take swift action to facilitate Zahoor's reunion with his loved ones.

Government Issues Travel Advisory

In a separate development, yesterday, the Ministry of External Affairs issued a cautionary advisory to its citizens considering reports indicating recruitment to support the Russian military.

MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stressed the importance of exercising caution and engaging in dialogue with Russian authorities to address the situation effectively.

In a statement in response to media queries regarding Indians caught in conflict in Russia, the Official Spokesperson, Shri Randhir Jaiswal 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 discharge. We urge all Indian nationals to exercise due caution and stay away from this conflict."

The warning came after one Mohammad Sufiyan from Hyderabad, who is currently trapped due to alleged recruitment, has brought the gravity of the situation to the forefront.

His family has appealed to the government for intervention, emphasizing the urgency of his release. Asaduddin Owaisi, Member of Parliament for AIMIM, has echoed these concerns, calling for proactive measures to rescue individuals like Sufiyan.

Imran, Sufiyan's brother, has provided detailed accounts of the recruitment process conducted by the Baba Blocks Company, revealing deceptive practices employed initially. Despite repeated inquiries, there has been a lack of response prompting Imran to demand government assistance and accountability from recruiting agents.

The situation underlines the pressing need for immediate action to ensure the safety of Indian nationals trapped in such circumstances.