KATHMANDU: Ranjit Gurung, a resident of Bhoteshwara in Ambukhaireni Rural Municipality-5 of Tanahu, who enlisted in the Russian army seven months ago, has passed away.

According to Suryaman Singh Gurung, Headmaster of Kanyadevi Secondary School in Chimkeshwari, a friend of Gurung’s serving alongside him in Russia notified the family of his demise.

He shared that Ranjit had been out of contact with his family for 15 days prior to the incident.

Before losing contact, there had been a conversation with his family, recalling happier times.

“Gurung’s friend mentioned that the incident occurred during their deployment to a conflict-affected area,” explained Gurung.

Reacting to the news, Tek Bahadur Gurung from the local community expressed deep sorrow, stating, “The village mourns the loss deeply. Ranjit was known for his friendly nature. It’s an unimaginable tragedy.”

Santosh Gurung, the Ward Chair of Ambukhaireni Rural Municipality-5, conveyed his shock over the incident, saying, “Our ward has lost a promising young man.”

He added that nine individuals from Tanahu, who had also enlisted in the Russian Army, remain out of contact with their families.

According to the District Administration Office, Tanahu, there are nine young enlistees from the district whose whereabouts are unknown since joining the Russian Army.