While some have returned safely, others like Tamang still face uncertainty. He remains hopeful, saying, “I will keep sending you my location,” as he journeys toward home, finally free from the horrors of a war they never chose to fight, a detailed report by BBC said
Last week, the Indian government confirmed that Russia had discharged dozens of the 91 Indians tricked into fighting in the war against Ukraine. Many of these individuals, lured by false promises of lucrative jobs, were thrust into combat zones with little or no military training. Some have now returned home, while efforts continue to bring others back.
One such person cited in the BBC report is Urgen Tamang, a former Indian soldier. Days before his release, he messaged, “Please save me.” He, like many others, found himself on the frontlines in Ukraine, facing death, destruction, and the constant threat of landmines, missiles, and sniper fire.
Most of these men were young workers, aged 19 to 35, misled by agents promising stable jobs in Russia. Their contracts, written in Russian—a language they didn’t understand—sealed their fate. Many ended up fighting in areas under Russian control, navigating life-or-death situations with no prior experience.
Despite the danger and despair, some men have found a way out. Mohammad Sufyan, who returned home to Telangana on 12 September, recounted the trauma of seeing his friend killed on the battlefield. Others, like Azad Yusuf Kumar, are relieved to have survived, but the scars—both physical and mental—run deep
The stories of trauma and loss are haunting. Sunil Karwa, an electrician from Rajasthan, was stationed near Bakhmut, an area of intense fighting. He recalled the death of a fellow villager and described the devastating reality of war. Similarly, Raja Pathan joined the army as a last resort, after a fake college scam left him stranded in Russia. He managed to escape with help from a sympathetic commander.
The Indian government has taken action, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi raising the issue with Russian President Vladimir Putin in July. So far, 45 Indians have been discharged, but the struggle continues for those left behind.
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