Nine youths allegedly joined Russian force out of family contact for months

Nine youths reportedly enrolled in the Russian military have lost contact with their families, leaving their loved ones in distress.

According to relatives, the youths opted to join the Russian military as they did not see better career opportunities at home.

A mother in Byas municipality said she spends her days in tears over her son, who has not been in touch with the family for the past four months. Initially, her son reassured her not to worry about his situation, but despite her attempts to remain calm, she finds herself restless. “I have sleepless nights these days worrying about my son”, said the woman preferring to be unnamed.

These families have already approached the Migrant Resource Centre under the Safer Migration Programme (SaMI), seeking its help to get back their offspring safely.

According to Centre’s consultant Goma Tiwari, among those reported to have joined the Russian security force, three are from Byas municipality, one from Devghat rural Municipality, three from Bhanu municipality, one from Shuklagandaki, and one from Myagde rural municipality.

As the Centre said, it has sent official documents to the Department of Consular Services, Ministry of Foreign Affairs with a request for searching for them.

It is believed that youths paid Rs 500 to 600 thousand each to middlepersons to get a visit visa for Russia and join the military force.

Centre’s district coordinator Luna Rana said there may be more people from Tanahu getting enrolled in the Russian force at a time it has been prohibited by the government. “So there may be a few complaints.”

District Administration Office, Tanahu said each one visiting the Office for a passport is being oriented on the destinations prohibited by the State from visiting, and risk factors and consequences in case of an unlawful trip.

We have proceeded with diplomatic initiatives to bring Nepalis back from Russia safely. Still, we continue to urge one and all not to entertain any plan to visit those countries banned by the State, he added.