Rescue stranded Punjab men in Iran: Global body to Centre

Satnam Singh Chahal, executive director of the North American Punjabi Association (NAPA), has made an urgent appeal to the Government of India and the international humanitarian community to act immediately for the safe release of three young Punjabi men, who were kidnapped in Iran and are now caught in the crossfire of an escalating Israel-Iran conflict.

Advertisement

Chahal said as appearing in a section of the Press, the victims Husanpreet Singh (27) of Sangrur, Amritpal Singh (23) of Hoshiarpur, and Jaspal Singh (32) of Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar were reportedly abducted by a trans-national human trafficking syndicate while going to to Australia via Teheran. Each had paid approximately ₹18 lakh to agents based in Punjab for what they were told would be a legal migration route. Instead, their journey turned into a nightmare of captivity, thrashings and ransom demands.

“The families of the young men are living in fear,” said Chahal. “They are clinging to the assurances made by the Indian authorities, but the ongoing military unrest in the region is making their situation even more precarious. These men are the victims of a trafficking racket and now at the mercy of war.”

Chahal highlighted that the deepening conflict between Iran and Israel has severely compromised diplomatic and rescue efforts. He emphasised the moral obligation of the Indian Government to intensify efforts for their safe return and called on international human rights organisations and the United Nations to assist with humanitarian access and intervention.

“NAPA stands in solidarity with the affected families and appeals to both Indian and global authorities to prioritise the safe return of these boys, who were misled by traffickers and are now stranded in a war-torn region,” Chahal added. “The Punjab Government must take immediate legal action against the travel agents.”

-------------

Journey turned nightmare

Victims Husanpreet Singh of Sangrur, Amritpal Singh of Hoshiarpur and Jaspal Singh of SBS Nagar were reportedly abducted by a human trafficking syndicate while going to Australia via Teheran. Each had paid approximately ₹18 lakh to agents based in Punjab for what they were told would be a legal migration route. Instead, their journey turned into a nightmare of captivity, thrashings and ransom demands.