Stuck on Russian front line, Karnal youth hopes to be redeployed: Kin
Parveen Arora
Karnal, March 7
Family members of 19-year-old Harsh Kumar, who finds himself in the middle of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, are experiencing sleepless nights. Each passing moment feels like eternity as they wait for their son.
Family seeks govt help to bring him back
Residents of Shambli village of the district, his family comprising grandmother Kamla Devi, father Suresh Kumar, mother Suman and brother Sahil are worried about him. Harsh’s father runs a grocery shop, while his brother is pursuing MSc.
People are visiting them daily to offer their support and pray for his safe return.
Fortunately, the family is in touch with Harsh, who said last night that he might be shifted from the front line to another place. “We are worried about him and request the government to bring him back. To celebrate the New Year, Harsh had gone to Russia on December 25 on a visa for two months,” says Sahil.
Harsh, along with others, shared a video on X, revealing that their trip to Russia had taken a harrowing turn as they had been sent to the front line. During their stay in Moscow, they were lured by an agent, who took them to Belarus without their knowledge of visa requirement and abandoned them. They were later detained by the police for not having proper documents, says Sahil.
“Harsh told me that they were made to sign some documents, forcing them to help the armed forces. They were given 15-day training, after which they were sent to a military camp,” says his father.
Harsh’s family met Karnal MP Sanjay Bhatia and DC Karnal Uttam Singh, seeking the intervention of the Ministry of External Affairs to secure his return. “It is a violation of human rights. I will take it up with the ministry,” he assured the family.
Sahil also said that to create a travel history for settling in Australia, Harsh had gone to Russia. However, sources close to western embassies debunked the explanation given by travel agents. “Is it possible that Germany, Italy or France will consider travel to Russia and Ukraine for issuing visas? Visas are issued after due diligence and not on the basis of a person’s travel history,’’ they said.
“There could be recruiting agents who are arranging for travel invitation to Russia or agents are themselves involved in sending youngsters from South Asia to the battlefield,” another embassy source stated. “Travel history to the EU or the US can be a factor in deciding the visas for some countries. But not the travel history of Russia or Ukraine as they have a different system of issuing visas,” said another source.
The Tribune News Service brings you the latest news, analysis and insights from the region, India and around the world. Follow the Tribune News Service for a wide-ranging coverage of events as they unfold, with perspective and clarity.
Join Whatsapp Channel of The Tribune for latest updates.
Most Read In 24 Hours
Don't Miss
View All
Top News
Shehzada has fled Amethi, fears defeat in Wayanad too, says PM Modi
Mocks Rahul on Raebareli move, saying ‘daro mat, bhaago mat’
