New Delhi: Congress MLA Ramesh Chennithala has written to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, urging his immediate intervention following the tragic death of a man from Thrissur, Kerala, who was killed in Ukraine after being forcibly recruited into Russian mercenary forces. Chennithala’s appeal also highlights the critical condition of another Kerala resident injured in a similar incident.
In his letter, Chennithala detailed the case of Binil Babu, a resident of Thrissur, who was fatally shot while fighting in Ukraine after being forced into the Russian military. He also mentioned Jain Kurian, a relative of Binil, who was critically injured in the attack and is reportedly receiving treatment in Moscow. Both men had originally traveled to Russia for work but were forcibly conscripted into the Russian army.
Also Read
“This is not an isolated incident, as many young people from Kerala and other parts of India are reportedly trapped in Ukraine, having been forcibly recruited by Russian forces,” Chennithala wrote. He expressed deep concern for the families of these men, emphasizing the hardship faced by their families, especially since both were the sole breadwinners.
Request for repatriation of mortal remains, support for grieving family
Chennithala further highlighted the distress of Binil Babu's family, who are waiting for his body to be repatriated to Kerala for last rites. "In view of the immense mental agony and distress faced by the families, I kindly request your immediate intervention to ensure the repatriation of the mortal remains of Binil Babu to his native place and the safe return of Jain Kurian," Chennithala stated in his letter. He also urged that financial and emotional support be extended to Binil’s grieving family during this difficult time.
Chennithala requested the government to take all necessary diplomatic steps to address the issue of illegal conscription of Indian citizens into foreign forces. He called for action to prevent future incidents of forced recruitment and to safeguard the welfare of Indian citizens abroad.
Following the tragic incident, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has already taken strong action, calling for the swift discharge and repatriation of the remaining Indian nationals involved in the Russian Army. The MEA reiterated its demand for urgent measures to ensure the safety of Indian citizens trapped in the conflict.
Agency
Published: 15 Jan 2025, 11:34 am IST
Related Topics
Subscribe to our Newsletter
Disclaimer: Kindly avoid objectionable, derogatory, unlawful and lewd comments, while responding to reports. Such comments are punishable under cyber laws. Please keep away from personal attacks. The opinions expressed here are the personal opinions of readers and not that of Mathrubhumi.