New Delhi: Families from Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh converged in New Delhi this week, protesting against the Indian government’s lack of action to help their sons stranded in the Russian army as the country celebrated its Independence Day.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the demonstrators gathered at India Gate and later in front of the Russian embassy, demanding the immediate repatriation of their relatives. The protesters expressed significant disillusionment with the Modi administration’s response to their plight.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs acknowledged this month that eight Indian nationals had died in Ukraine, and 69 others are awaiting discharge from Russian military service. This disclosure has heightened the anxiety and frustration of families who claim they were deceived by travel agents about the nature of their sons’ employment abroad.
Jagdeep Kumar, leading the protest and brother to one of the stranded men, Mandeep Kumar from Goraya, Punjab, detailed their grievances, including restrictions on their protests in Delhi. “Neither did they allow us to meet anyone, nor did they let us take photographs of the protest,” he said, indicating the government’s reluctance to publicize their cause.
The families have documented the names of 15 young men they claim are being forced to fight, and they are calling on the Modi government to facilitate their release. Their disappointment is compounded by a lack of media attention, with only a few independent outlets covering their demonstration.
The ongoing situation underscores deepening concerns about the treatment of Indian citizens caught in international conflicts and the Indian government’s role in their welfare.