Concerns Rise Over Kashmiris Allegedly Conned into Fighting for Russian Army

With news that a Gujarati teenager has lost his life in the conflict, concerns have grown for the relatives of two Kashmiris who were reportedly tricked into fighting for the Russian army against Ukraine.

The media has been informed by the family of Surat resident Hamil Mangukiya, 23, that they learned of his death a few days ago.

Twelve Indian men, including 31-year-old Azad Ahmad Kumar of Awantipora in Pulwama and 28-year-old Zahoor Ahmad Sheikh of Hajinar in Kupwara, are accused of being tricked into fighting for Russia by promising employment in Dubai.

The Indian embassy in Russia has pledged to assist the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA), which is leading a campaign for their return.

Sajad Ahmad Kumar, Azad's older brother, said that although the government's pledges were consoling, news of the Gujarati youth's death had made them even more concerned.

"My brother used to phone us sometimes, but he hasn't spoken to us since yesterday night. The network is experiencing some problems. We have reason to be concerned after hearing of the death of a Gujarati guy who was a member of my brother's organization. We hope they're all secure and return home soon," Sajad said to The Telegraph.

He said that on Tuesday, prominent government officials and lawmakers paid them a visit and made assistance promises.

Sajad said that on January 14, while training, his brother's gun unintentionally went off, resulting in damage to his foot.

"He was moved to a hospital, but he was just transferred to another location, which requires a 36-hour road trip." He informed us last time we talked that he is still limping but worries that he could be sent to the front lines, Sajad said.

About twelve Indian families, including two from Kashmir, Sajad said, had been tricked into fighting for Russia.

"Three families from Hyderabad started a WhatsApp group that keeps us all in contact. Later on, more people joined. Within the group, he mentioned families from Telangana, Bangalore, Gujarat, and Jammu & Kashmir.

Thus far, we have discovered that these about twelve guys were sent to Russia in two groups. My sibling belonged to the second cluster. He received an opportunity to work as a chef and housekeeper from the Baba Vlogs YouTube channel. My brother made his way to the UAE via Chennai from Mumbai. After being forced to sign paperwork in Russian, he was given tickets to Russia, he said.

The father of the missing boy, Zahoor, Mohammad Amin Sheikh, said that "high level" attempts were being made to bring his son back with the others.

Sheikh declined to provide any details, saying, "We have left it to God and pray for his return."

Speaking with the Sheikh family, former Hajinar sarpanch Jaffar Hussain claimed that since December 31, the family has not spoken to Zahoor.

"Zahoor informed his family that he would be apart from them for three months due to his journey to the border. He claimed, "The family told me that he was taken to the front but was offered a job as a security guard in Russia."

On November 11, he departed for Dubai and was subsequently transported to Russia. He received a job offer from Baba Vlogs, the same YouTube channel.

The JKSA's leader, Nasir Khuehami, claimed that after the Indian embassy in Russia pledged assistance, there was increased optimism for their return.

"They responded to our letter by saying they had brought up the matter with the Russian authorities. He informed this publication that efforts are in progress to bring them back.

Furthermore, I had a conversation with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha last night. He said that attempts are being made. For the quickest evacuation, the LG has sent the issue to the minister of foreign affairs.

"That certain Indian nationals have enlisted for support roles with the Russian army" has been confirmed by India's foreign ministry.

"Every single instance of this kind that the Indian embassy in Moscow brought to the attention of the Russian authorities was vigorously pursued, and the cases that the ministry brought to the notice of the Russian embassy in New Delhi were pursued as well. As a consequence, several Indians have already been released," the ministry said in a statement on Monday.

Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Press Time staff and has been published from a syndicated feed.