Ex-Kalimpong Army Men "Tricked" Into Joining The Russian Army
KALIMPONG: In a video message, a 47-year-old Kalimpong resident who claims he was duped into joining the Russian army is pleading with the government to save him before sending him to fight in Ukraine.
IGorkha youth tricked into Russian Army recruitment h2
In the three-minute video, Urgen Tamang, a resident of Chibo-Purbung in Kalimpong, speaks in Hindi and accuses recruitment "agents" of tricking him into joining the Russian Army against his will after they convinced him of job opportunities as a security guard
abroad. He claims he is now obliged to fight the ongoing war against Ukraine.
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In the video, Tamang said he was told the job was for a security guard position in Moscow, Russia, but that he was misled by agents about the nature of the position. He had arrived in Moscow on January 19 of this year, where he was met by a Nepali/Gorkha person who then put him up for the night in a hotel.Read More:
His 44-year-old wife, Ambika Tamang, told the media that she hasn't spoken to her husband since March 22. Tamang had mentioned in the last communication that the Russians were taking them out of the camp.
Russian job migration uncertainty
"He informed me that his goal is to work overseas. He remained silent. He had made all the arrangements and spent a few days at home over the winter. Even when he was at home, he was rushing around organising paperwork and other things," Ambika remarked. By January 19, he had taken a plane to Delhi and then had arrived in Russia.
Job Scam: From Security Guard Promise to the Russian Army
In the video, Tamang said he was told the job was for a security guard position in Moscow, Russia, but that he was misled by agents about the nature of the position. He had arrived in Moscow on January 19 of this year, where he was met by a Nepali/Gorkha person who then put him up for the night in a hotel.He spent the night with a group of Tamil agents after being sent there the following day. After that, he was billeted in a hotel for roughly ten days before being sent to an army camp.
"I was brought to the army camp for about eighteen days of regular training. I was asked to sign a bond there."
His 44-year-old wife, Ambika Tamang, told the media that she hasn't spoken to her husband since March 22. Tamang had mentioned in the last communication that the Russians were taking them out of the camp.
An Indian Ex-Army Man Duped into the Ukraine War
An Indian ex-army man was duped into the Ukraine war. Tamang, a former havildar in the Indian Army, had been employed as a security guard for a private company in Gujarat until just recently.The family was surprised that Tamang was tricked by the agents into fighting in the war in Ukraine.
"I'm doing everything in my power to draw the authorities' attention to this matter. Hopefully, the government will take action," she uttered. The two young daughters of the couple.
The message has been forwarded to the Ministry of External Affairs and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee by the family, who initially contacted the chairman of Kurseong Municipality.
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Indian citizen missing in Russia
"I have contacted the highest office in our country, our External Affairs department, the Indian Embassy in Russia, and all other pertinent authorities. I'm doing everything in my power to ensure his safe return to his family. I really hope that we can pull this off," Bista stated in the statement.
Breaking News: Safe Return
The Kalimpong ex-armyman has just returned from Russia with the help of the Indian High Commission in Moscow, and he is now happy to be reunited with his family.
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Broader Implications of the Case
The ordeal of Urgen Tamang sheds light on a growing problem faced by Indian citizens abroad. Many job seekers, especially from rural and hill regions such as Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Sikkim, are being lured by fake job offers in foreign countries. These promises often include high salaries, security guard positions, or hospitality jobs, but in reality, unsuspecting individuals end up trapped in dangerous situations.
The Russia-Ukraine conflict has made matters worse. Reports suggest that vulnerable communities across South Asia, including Nepali and Indian Gorkhas, are being targeted by illegal agents. Once they arrive in Russia, migrants often lose their passports, are forced to sign documents in unfamiliar languages, and are compelled to undergo military training.
Human Trafficking Angle
Many experts believe this case is not just about a job scam, but also about human trafficking under the guise of foreign employment. International syndicates may be exploiting the economic hardships of rural families. Tamang’s case highlights the urgent need for stronger government action against fraudulent agents operating in India.
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Government Response and Protection Measures
Following Tamang’s plea, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has been urged to issue stricter guidelines and warnings about overseas job offers, especially in conflict zones. State governments in West Bengal, Sikkim, and Northeast India are also being asked to spread awareness campaigns so that youths are not misled by such false promises.
Additionally, political leaders like Raju Bista have demanded bilateral discussions with the Russian government to ensure no Indian citizen is deployed in combat zones against their will.
Impact on Families Left Behind
The emotional trauma faced by families like the Tamang's is immense. Ambika, left alone with two children, endured months of fear and uncertainty. Similar families across the region are sharing these struggles, waiting for news of their loved ones. The return of Tamang offers hope, but it also underscores how close he came to becoming another casualty of a foreign war.
Conclusion
The case of the ex-Kalimpong army man duped into joining the Russian army serves as both a warning and a lesson. While Tamang is safely back with his family, many others remain trapped. This incident highlights the urgent need for strict action against fake recruiters, stronger overseas job monitoring, and international cooperation to prevent Indians from being dragged into conflicts that are not their own.
For the people of Kalimpong and beyond, Tamang’s story is not just breaking news—it is a stark reminder of how vulnerable individuals can be misled into war under the pretext of employment.
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