Kashmiri youth caught in job scam amid Russia-Ukraine conflict

New Delhi, Feb 26: The ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, which has completed more than two years, has cast a dark shadow over the lives of Kashmiri youth and several other Indian citizens, who have become unwitting victims of a job scam that has thrust them into a nightmarish ordeal, underscoring the grim realities of modern-day conflicts.

A second instance of a Kashmiri youth entangled in this difficulty has surfaced, suggesting that there may be numerous others affected.

Reports indicate that similar cases involving youth from other states of India who were enticed through online recruitment have also emerged.

Amidst the chaos of war, these youth, lacking any training in arms, have found themselves thrust into the frontlines alongside Russian soldiers, tasked with fighting a war against Ukrainians on the border. Their plight highlights the vulnerability of innocent individuals who have been lured into perilous situations under the guise of lucrative job opportunities abroad.

As reports of their predicament trickle down through the media, it becomes increasingly clear how online recruitment tactics have preyed upon the aspirations of struggling, unemployed Indian youth, promising them a way out of hardship only to ensnare them in a web of deceit and danger.

The unfolding saga has captured the attention of concerned observers, particularly the distraught family members of those trapped in the Russia-Ukraine border region, who are now pleading for swift intervention to rescue their loved ones from the turmoil.

One such story is that of Azad Yusuf Kumar, a young Kashmiri from Poshwan Awantipora in south Kashmir whose family is grappling with the anguish of his entanglement in the conflict.

According to media reports, quoting family members, Azad’s ill-fated journey began with an encounter with a YouTube channel operated by a consultant named Faisal Khan, based in Dubai.

Seduced by promises of job opportunities in cooking and cleaning, according to his family members, Azad embarked on a journey that would irrevocably alter the trajectory of his life.

However, he found himself fighting on the conflict border with Russian troops.

Unfortunately, Azad’s harrowing experience mirrors that of Zahoor Ahmed Sheikh, a Kashmiri youth reported missing from the conflict zone.

Hailing from north Kashmir, Zahoor’s sudden disappearance has plunged his family into a profound state of anguish and uncertainty, heightening concerns for his safety and welfare.

The tragedy unfolding in the Russia-Ukraine conflict serves as a stark reminder of the dangers lurking behind false promises and the urgent need for stringent measures to protect vulnerable individuals from falling victim to exploitative schemes.

As families anxiously await news of their loved one’s safety, the spotlight shines on the pressing need for international cooperation and New Delhi’s intervention to extricate these innocent victims from the clutches of war.

In a recent statement from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), officials addressed concerns surrounding Indian nationals allegedly recruited into the Russian army, emphasising efforts to ensure their safe discharge, and urging caution among citizens considering similar ventures.

“We have observed certain inaccurate reports in the media regarding Indians serving with the Russian army seeking assistance for discharge,” the MEA said. “Every such case brought to the attention of the Indian Embassy in Moscow has been strongly pursued with the Russian authorities, and those raised with the ministry have been taken up with the Russian embassy in New Delhi. Consequently, several Indians have already been discharged.”

Reiterating their commitment to prioritising the resolution of relevant cases, the MEA underscored ongoing efforts to engage with Russian authorities for the early discharge of Indian nationals involved.

Earlier, the ministry had issued a cautionary advisory to citizens in response to reports suggesting recruitment to support the Russian military. MEA spokesman Randhir Jaiswal emphasised the importance of caution and dialogue with Russian authorities to effectively address the situation.

Responding to media queries regarding Indians entangled in the conflict in Russia, Jaiswal said, “We are aware that a few Indian nationals have signed up for support jobs with the Russian army. The Indian embassy has consistently raised this matter with relevant Russian authorities to secure their early discharge. We urge all Indian nationals to exercise caution and refrain from involvement in this conflict."

The warning followed revelations by Mohammad Sufiyan from Hyderabad, reportedly trapped due to alleged recruitment, bringing attention to the severity of the situation.

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

Sufiyan's brother, Imran provided detailed accounts of the recruitment process conducted by the Baba Blocks Company, highlighting initial deceptive practices.

Despite repeated inquiries, a lack of response has prompted Imran to demand government assistance and accountability from recruiting agents. As the plight of these Kashmiri youth continues to unfold, ground reports shed light on the broader implications of their predicament.

According to various regional and national media outlets, approximately a dozen Indians have fallen victim to deceitful recruitment tactics, being coerced into fighting for Russian forces.

Tragically, reports have emerged of casualties and injuries suffered by these individuals in the line of duty. The situation underscores the critical need for immediate action to ensure the safety of Indian nationals trapped in such circumstances.

Additionally, recent reports have surfaced of three men from Karnataka and one from Telangana allegedly deceived into “fighting” for the Russian army in Ukraine after being promised jobs as security personnel in Russia by a recruiter.