“I THINK I got a rebirth. Never thought I will return home alive,” said Urgen Tamang (47) who left home in January and after being duped to join the Russian army was deployed for six months fighting in Ukraine, returned home to Kalimpong in West Bengal on Saturday.

It was late afternoon when Urgen landed in Bagdogra. He was received by his wife Ambia, two children and a large number of people from the area, led by Rabi Pradhan, chairman of Kalimpong municipality.

“I think this is like my second life. I think I am still in a dream. On the warfront, many with us died. Even yesterday I was in Russia and now I am home,” an elated Tamang told mediapersons.

“I thank everyone. Rabi Pradhan, the Centre, everyone who tried to bring me and others back to the country from Russia. Every time I was on the warfront and sent videos, helplessly appealing to return, I never actually thought I would be back home one day,” said Tamang.

Rabi Pradhan said, “I didn’t even know him or had ever met him before. When I saw the first video, I went to his home and found that they have no guardian. His wife and children were helpless. I tried my best and told myself that we have to bring him back. Thanks to everyone and the Indian government.”

The Indian Express had earlier reported that Urgen (47), a resident of Kalimpong, West Bengal and a retired Indian army jawan, was duped by agents who promised him the job of a security guard in Russia, but took him to the frontlines of the war with Ukraine. He left Kalimpong on January 18 this year.

During his stay in the war zone on the Russia-Ukraine border, he made multiple videos using his cell phone and somehow shared it in social media and Rabi Pradhan. In the videos he frantically appealed for his rescue and rescue of those other Indians with him. Earlier through various video messages Urgen sent desperate appeals for help to the Indian government explaining his situation in the warfront.

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