Families of missing youths seek Putin’s intervention

Sinder Pal Kaur said her son Budh Ram Singh had gone left for Russia in 2024 and the family last spoke to him over the phone in March.

Sukhpreet Kaur, sister-in-law of Budh Ram, said he had last spoken to the family on March 26, 2024, conveying that he would not be able to communicate with them for a fortnight since he would be deployed at the front.

The family has been running from pillar to post to know the fate of their son who was recruited into the Russian Army, probably as a helper.

They requested Prime Minister Narendar Modi to take up the matter with Russia.

Arjun of Karnal’s Gharaunda Choura village said his 21-year-old brother Anuj went to Russia on study visa about 10 months ago. He added that there were over 60 youngsters from Haryana who went to Russia this year.

He averred that a majority of them were tricked to join defence services.

He said they recently submitted a memorandum at the offices of President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister, Ministry of External Affairs, National Human Rights Commission, Home Ministry, requesting to ensure the safe return of youngsters.