Kashmiri citizen missing in Russia

New Delhi, Feb 24: Zahoor Ahmed Sheikh of Hajinar Tangdhar in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district has gone missing in Russia, leaving his family deeply distressed.

The J&K Student Association conveyed the family’s concern through X, urging the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to assist in locating Zahoor and ensuring his safe return. Zahoor, formerly employed in Chandigarh, embarked on his journey to Russia in December 2023, accompanied by two companions, Arbaab from Uttar Pradesh and Asfaan from Hyderabad, as disclosed in a tweet by the J&K Students Association.

The recent disappearance of another Indian from Hyderabad recruited through an agency for a support role in the Russian military has drawn attention to the safety of Indian citizens abroad.

Families of both separately appealing to the government for assistance underline the growing anxieties surrounding the welfare of Indians travelling overseas who go through recruitment agencies.

The exact number of how many other Indians must have gone to Russia through agencies needs a further probe as it is likely that some more persons must have been duped similarly.

Just a day ahead of Zahoor’s disappearance, the MEA issued a travel advisory cautioning Indian citizens about potential recruitment for support roles in the Russian military.

MEA spokesman Randhir Jaiswal emphasised the need for caution and dialogue with Russian authorities. This warning follows the first known case of Muhammad Sufiyan from Hyderabad, who was allegedly trapped due to recruitment, further highlighting the risks faced by Indian nationals abroad.

In response to media queries, the government acknowledged the situation, with the MEA spokesman Jaiswal, stating, “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.”

Despite diplomatic efforts, challenges persist in holding recruiting agents accountable, as highlighted by Imran, Sufiyan’s brother.

Imran has detailed deceptive recruitment practices by the Baba Blocks Company and the lack of adequate response despite inquiries.

Overall, Zahoor’s disappearance and the broader context of Indian nationals facing recruitment and safety concerns abroad underscore the need for proactive measures to safeguard citizens travelling overseas and unearthing the scam of human trafficking in the name of work in Russia.