Three Haryana youths killed in Russia-Ukraine war, 10 still stuck: BJP MP

BJP’s Rajya Sabha MP from Haryana, Ram Chander Jangra, stated that three youths from the state had been killed in the Russia-Ukraine war, while 10 are still stuck there. “Efforts are being made by the Central Government to bring back our youths,” Jangra said in an interview with The Tribune. “I have spoken to the Foreign Secretary and been assured that a dedicated team led by an Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer has been assigned to handle the situation.”

When questioned about the delay in the process of bringing them back, Jangra attributed it to the legal agreements signed by the youths. “Our youths have signed formidable legal agreements to join the army on the assurance of hefty annual packages of up to Rs 50 lakh per month,” he revealed. “Hence, our officials are facing legal issues in dealing with such cases.”

However, Jangra assured that all-out efforts are being made to bring the youths back safely.

Meanwhile, the family members of Sandeep, a Dalit youth from Taimurpur (Jethpur) village in Rohtak district who has been stuck in the Russia-Ukraine war for over a month, met Jangra and requested help. Sandeep (29), who had gone to Russia on a study visa, had called his family from Ukraine last week and informed them that he had been inducted into the Russian army and pushed to the war zone without proper training.

Sandeep’s mother, Saroj, alleged that her son had been deceived into joining the Russian army. “My son was told that he would work as a cook/helper and receive a salary of Rs 2.5 lakh per month, along with other perks,” she said. “However, he was pushed into the war zone without proper training, and his life is at risk. He is unable to return as they have taken away his mobile phone, passport, and other documents. I urge the government to bring my son back.”

Saroj has written to the Prime Minister and other top government functionaries, while Sandeep’s father, Bakshi Ram, brother Vikas, and friend Vikram have been running from pillar to post to secure his return. “We are poor people, and our only hope is the government,” Bakshi Ram said. “We will be very grateful if the government brings our son back to us.”