In a concerning development, a group of Indian youths finds themselves ensnared in legal turmoil in Armenia after attempting to cross into Georgia illicitly earlier this year. Their plight came to light recently when a distressing video surfaced, depicting their dire situation from behind bars.
Rajya Sabha MP Balbir Singh Seechewal has emerged as a pivotal figure in their ongoing saga, having taken proactive steps upon learning of their predicament. After families of the detained youths reached out to him for assistance, Seechewal swiftly engaged with both the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Embassy to intervene on their behalf.
“I saw the video on social media and immediately contacted the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Embassy,” Seechewal stated, underscoring the urgency of the matter.
The details that have emerged paint a troubling picture: approximately twelve youths are currently incarcerated in Armavir jail, facing legal proceedings after being apprehended by Armenian authorities earlier this year. Their reasons for attempting the illegal border crossing remain unclear, although reports suggest they were misled by unscrupulous travel agents.
The identities of only seven of these detainees have been confirmed: Ram Pal, Rajot Singh, Gurmeet Singh, Shivam Kumar, Happy Singh, Major Singh, and Maniruzzama. These young men hail from various parts of India, their families now anxiously awaiting updates on their fate.
The Indian Embassy in Yerevan has stepped in, meeting the detainees and initiating dialogue with Armenian officials to facilitate legal proceedings and ensure their well-being. Concerns have been raised about their living conditions, including dietary restrictions that have prompted diplomatic correspondence between the Indian Embassy and Armenian authorities.
Seechewal emphasized the need for vigilance against fraudulent practices in travel arrangements, cautioning youths to exercise prudence before embarking on international journeys. He also reiterated the government’s commitment to resolving the situation swiftly, expressing hope for a favorable outcome in the legal proceedings.
Efforts are underway at diplomatic levels to secure the release of the detained youths, with ongoing engagement between Indian and Armenian authorities marking a critical phase in this complex international incident.
As the legal proceedings unfold, families and concerned citizens alike are closely monitoring developments, hopeful for a resolution that will see these youths reunited with their families back in India.
