Pradhan also claimed that both he and Tamang are in regular touch with home ministry officials.
“I got a call from an MEA official on Thursday. The official said that the process of tracking Indian men and discharging them (from the Russian army) is on. I have been told that 62 or 63 such Indians have been tracked and their documents are being verified, including that of our Urgen. They are trying to track 12 or 13 other Indians there. I have been told it’s a priority to return them safely,” Pradhan told The Indian Express over the phone.
“The highly placed MEA official spoke with me and Urgen several times on Thursday and Friday. The official informed us that Urgen’s name has been registered. I have been told that regular talks are on with the Russian counterparts on the issue. The Russian side is trying for discharge (from the Russian army)… I have been told, those Indians who are injured and admitted to hospitals are also told to be ready to return,” Pradhan added.
“The officials stated that our government is trying to bring back Indian men, including Urgen, by August 15. However, they told me that it is a government process and there may be a bit of a delay. In that case, they will be brought back after August 15,” said Pradhan.
Pradhan also released audio clips on the Kalimpong municipality’s Facebook page where purported conversations between the MEA official (name not revealed), Tamang and himself are highlighted. “Don’t worry. Daily we are talking with the Russian side. We will rescue you soon. Be strong and be safe. We are taking all action…,” the ‘MEA official’ is purportedly heard telling Tamang in the clip.
“First meeting was in Delhi. They (Russian side) have signed the document. But it is government process. It will take time. The last update we got was that by August 15, all Indians will be terminated (by Russian army) and sent home. The date may be after August 15 too since it is a government process,” the ‘MEA official’ is purportedly heard saying in the clip.
The Indian Express had reported earlier that retired Army jawan Tamang, 47, a resident of Kalimpong, West Bengal, was duped by agents who promised him a job as a security guard in Russia, but took him to the frontlines of the war with Ukraine. Back home, Tamang has a wife and two children, as well as an ailing father. He has been with the Russian army for six months now.
Through various video messages, Tamang has sent desperate appeals for help to the Indian government, explaining his situation on the war front. His friends and family members have also written to Russian President Vladimir Putin, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, seeking assistance.
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