BIRATNAGAR: Pancha Kumari Rai, a resident of Letang in Morang, had previously shown no inclination toward international news.

However, in recent times, her attention is riveted whenever updates about the Russia-Ukraine conflict surface. The news sends shivers down her spine.

Her heart races with anxiety each time she learns of Nepali casualties in the conflict.

This distress stems from the fact that her son, Bikash Rai, is currently detained in Ukraine.

Three months ago, Pancha Kumari received the devastating news of Bikash’s capture by Ukrainian forces after he enlisted in the Russian army during the ongoing war.

Recently, Ukraine disclosed the names of five Nepali individuals in its custody, including Bikash Rai from Letang.

Facilitated by a development agent, Bikash embarked on his journey, shelling out a hefty sum of 8.5 million rupees to secure his passage through Dubai to Moscow.

The revelation came alongside Ukraine’s public acknowledgment of these Nepalis who, enticed by brokers, had joined the Russian Army with hopes of financial gain but found themselves captured during the conflict.

Bikash, a 33-year-old who fell prey to human traffickers’ schemes and was recruited into the Russian Army, was apprehended by Ukrainian authorities while serving in the war.

After three agonizing months, Ukraine finally made public the names and the youths, bringing a slight sense of relief to Pancha Kumari and her family.

Among those publicized are Bibek Khatri from Bardiya, Siddhartha Dhakal from Kavrepalanchok, Bikash Rai from Morang, and Pratik Pun from Rolpa.

According to BBC reports, the identity of another Nepali detainee remains undisclosed.

In a development reported by Reuters, Ukraine publicized a total of eight Russian soldiers from various nationalities, including five Nepalis.

Following the announcement, they were given a platform to address the media at Ukraine Media Center.

Bikash, speaking at the media center, implored Nepali youths to refrain from joining the Russian Army.

Through a video broadcast by Reuters, Bikash echoed sentiments, urging his fellow countrymen not to pursue dreams in the Russian military, emphasizing that it’s a futile endeavor.

In the same video, Bikash disclosed that his decision to go to Russia was influenced by a TikTok video.

He clarified that he had traveled to Russia on a tourist visa with the belief that he wouldn’t be deployed to the war front—an assumption that proved tragically wrong.

Pancha Kumari’s plea for son’s return amidst uncertainty

“I was gripped by panic when we lost contact for over three months. The fear of my son being taken captive by Ukraine haunted me incessantly, knowing that anything could happen at any moment,” shared Pancha Kumari, Bikash’s 54-year-old mother, in a conversation with Khabarhub.

In a concerning trend mirroring Bikash’s ordeal, nearly a dozen young individuals from Letang have embarked on perilous journeys to Russia via illicit means, enticed by the allure of quick wealth.

“Though our minds have somewhat toughened over time, there’s no solace to be found,” she added.

Expressing her anguish, Pancha Kumari pleaded, “I urge the government to expedite the process of bringing my son back to Nepal.”

Echoing a similar sentiment, Alisa Chemjong, Bikash’s wife, revealed the agony of enduring endless days without any news of her husband’s well-being.

“For three agonizing months, I grappled with uncertainty until Ukraine finally disclosed his whereabouts,” she lamented.

Bikash leaves behind a distraught family—his mother, wife, brother, and a young son.

Having returned from a stint in Dubai after five years of foreign employment, Bikash had been engaged in contractual work in his village for some time.

Dissatisfied with his prospects post-COVID, he resolved to seek opportunities abroad once more, setting his sights on Russia through a friend’s connection.

Prior to his departure, many youths from Letang had ventured to Russia via illicit channels enticed by the promise of lucrative earnings.

Alisa recounted how Bikash succumbed to the allure of prosperity after being persuaded by a friend already residing in Russia.

Facilitated by a development agent, Bikash embarked on his journey, shelling out a hefty sum of 8.5 million rupees to secure his passage through Dubai to Moscow.

However, since his departure, not a single remittance has reached his family’s coffers.

“Our home was adorned with the festive spirit of Dashain when he bid us farewell on Phulpati, departing from Kathmandu to Dubai, and then onward to Moscow,” recalled Alisa.

“For three excruciating months, we were left in the dark, with only hope to sustain us.”

According to her, their last exchange occurred on December 11, during which Bikash disclosed his capture by the Ukrainian army, leaving his loved ones in a state of profound anguish.

While the municipality continues its efforts to assist and provide support, the plight of these youths underscores the urgent need for greater awareness and preventive measures to curb such hazardous migrations driven by false promises of prosperity.

In a concerning trend mirroring Bikash’s ordeal, nearly a dozen young individuals from Letang have embarked on perilous journeys to Russia via illicit means, enticed by the allure of quick wealth.

Bhupendra Kumar Lawati, Mayor of Letang Municipality, stated that information gathered indicates that ten youths from Letang, like Bikash, ventured into the Russian army and found themselves ensnared in the conflict.

Despite repeated public notifications urging families to provide written information about their relatives involved in the Russian army, Mayor Lawati lamented that only one family, that of Tika Gurung from Letang-3, has come forward with such information.

Consequently, the municipality has petitioned the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to ensure Tika Gurung’s safe return.

Mayor Lawati further disclosed that one Letang youth managed to escape and safely return home, while another was captured by Ukrainian forces, and a third sustained injuries.

However, families remain in the dark about the fate of the remaining young individuals who embarked on this perilous journey.

While the municipality continues its efforts to assist and provide support, the plight of these youths underscores the urgent need for greater awareness and preventive measures to curb such hazardous migrations driven by false promises of prosperity.