"MEA Confirms Casualties Among Indians in Russian Armed Forces; J&K Families Plead for Leadership Intervention Amid Rising Agony"
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has confirmed the tragic deaths of 12 Indian nationals who were serving in the Russian Armed Forces amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Another 16 remain unaccounted for, leaving their families in limbo. Out of 126 Indian nationals known to have enlisted in Russian military service, 96 have returned safely to India following their discharge. However, the uncertainty surrounding the remaining 30 has cast a long shadow over the affected families.
A significant number of these individuals hail from Jammu and Kashmir, including Zahoor Sheikh, son of Mohammad Amin Sheikh, from Hajinar Karnah in North Kashmir’s Kupwara district. Zahoor’s parents have made repeated appeals for information regarding their son’s fate, but their questions remain unanswered.
Expressing frustration, they have called out the silence of local political leaders, particularly Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, for failing to address their concerns. “We elected him to represent us, to address our issues, and to raise our voices when we are unheard. Yet, there has been no response,” said Zahoor’s father. The family has also appealed to Jammu and Kashmir's Lieutenant Governor to raise their voices at the national level and ensure their concerns are heard.
This tragedy underscores a broader issue of Indian nationals participating in foreign military conflicts. Motivations for such enlistments range from financial necessity to personal circumstances, but families are often left to bear the burden of grief and uncertainty when tragedy strikes.
Diplomatic channels are now under pressure to provide clarity and support. The Indian embassy in Moscow is coordinating with Russian authorities to expedite the repatriation of the deceased, including the remains of Binil Babu from Kerala, whose death was recently confirmed. Meanwhile, one injured Indian national is receiving treatment in Moscow and is expected to return home soon.
Experts emphasize the need for proactive measures by the Indian government to ensure transparency, support affected families, and address the long-term implications of such enlistments. Families of the missing and deceased are calling for justice, timely updates, and a stronger diplomatic push to resolve the uncertainties surrounding their loved ones.
As the conflict continues, families like Zahoor Sheikh’s remain caught between hope and despair, urging the nation’s leadership to step in and provide the answers they so desperately seek.
