-North American Punjabi Association (NAPA) has strongly condemned the shameful actions of unscrupulous travel agents who deceitfully lured at least 15 Punjabi boys to Russia on the pretext of providing jobs, only to force them into joining the ongoing war in Ukraine. These agents, by playing with the lives of innocent youths, have committed a grave betrayal of trust and humanity.
Satnam Singh Chahal, Executive Director of NAPA, urged the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), New Delhi, to take immediate and strict action against the concerned travel agents involved in this organized racket. He also appealed for urgent diplomatic intervention to save the lives of the stranded youths who have been caught in a warzone against their will.
Reports reveal that at least 15 Punjabi boys have been trafficked to Russia since June, and disturbing claims suggest that some have already lost their lives while others are missing. Distress calls from the youths to the Indian Embassy in Russia have allegedly gone unanswered, further worsening the crisis. Families of the victims have also alleged that compensation meant for those killed or missing is being siphoned off by the same travel agents.
“This is not merely a case of fraud, but a systemic human trafficking network that has endangered the lives of our youth. It is a matter of shame that Punjab Police and concerned authorities have failed to track down and dismantle this nexus,” Chahal said.
NAPA joins the demand of victim families, social organizations, and concerned public representatives for immediate repatriation of stranded youths through diplomatic channels. It also calls for strong legal action against the travel agents under trafficking and criminal laws, compensation and support for the affected families without delay, and the formation of a joint task force to dismantle this trafficking racket and prevent future exploitation.
Chahal emphasized that the Indian Government cannot remain a silent spectator while the lives of young Punjabis are sacrificed in a foreign conflict. “We urge the MEA to act swiftly and decisively to bring these youths home and punish those responsible for this heinous crime,” he added.