In a distressing turn of events, five youths from Punjab find themselves stranded in Russia, forced into participating in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
This alarming revelation surfaced during the Zero Hour of the state assembly's ongoing Budget session, sparking urgent calls for intervention from both state and central authorities.
The plight of these individuals, Gurpreet Singh, Gagandeep Singh, Lovepreet Singh, Narain Singh, and Gurpreet Singh, epitomizes the harrowing experiences faced by Indian citizens lured abroad under false pretenses.
Initially embarking on their journey to Russia on visitor visas, they soon found themselves ensnared in the clutches of Russian Military Services, contrary to their intentions.
Their story mirrors a broader trend of exploitation and deceit perpetrated by unscrupulous agents promising lucrative employment opportunities. Tragically, these youths fell victim to this deceptive ploy, coerced into serving as mere "helpers" within the Russian Army, their dreams dashed and their freedoms stripped away.
The gravity of their predicament prompted swift action from Punjab Cabinet minister Kuldip Singh Dhaliwal, who promptly escalated the matter to both the External Affairs Ministry and the Russian Ambassador to India.
Expressing optimism for a positive resolution, Dhaliwal underscored the urgent need for the Union government's intervention to secure the safe return of these stranded individuals.
This unfortunate episode underscores the broader challenges faced by Indian nationals abroad, highlighting the need for enhanced safeguards and vigilant oversight to prevent such exploitation.
It serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers inherent in unchecked migration and the critical importance of robust diplomatic channels to address emergent crises.
As the nation grapples with this unfolding crisis, the plight of these five youths serves as a stark reminder of the perils faced by vulnerable individuals seeking opportunities beyond their shores.
Their ordeal underscores the pressing need for comprehensive reforms to safeguard the rights and welfare of Indian citizens abroad, ensuring that no one falls prey to such exploitation and injustice again.
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