SRINAGAR: A family from Saidpora in the Uri area of north Kashmir’s Baramulla district has appealed to the Centre to trace Ajaz Ahmad Gillani, who reportedly travelled to Russia about a month ago in search of employment and is now believed to be in detention there.
Gillani, son of Syed Nazam Shah, was allegedly cheated by people who promised him a job, according to his family. His relatives said they had been unable to contact him and were concerned about his safety and whereabouts.
The family has sought the intervention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, besides the Indian Embassy in Russia, to establish his whereabouts and facilitate his safe return to India.
They have urged the authorities to verify reports of his alleged detention, ascertain his current status and provide the necessary assistance for his repatriation.
The appeal comes amid concerns over Indian nationals who travelled to Russia and subsequently joined its armed forces.
According to figures cited by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), around 267 Indian nationals joined the Russian armed forces. Of these, 139 have been discharged following diplomatic efforts by the Indian Embassy in Moscow, while 51 have died.
The whereabouts of 77 Indian nationals remain unknown, according to the figures. Russian authorities have confirmed seven of them as missing.
It remains unclear whether Gillani is among the nationals covered by these figures.
