5 return from Russian war zone, but Goraya youth not among them

The reports of five Punjabi youths coming back from Russia has made Jagdeep Kumar from Goraya restless. His brother Mandeep's name is not on the list. As a result, Jagdeep has been making frantic calls to every possible number.

'A returnee gave negative news about Mandeep, but I don't believe it,' says brother

"I have been told by one of the returnees that there might be some 'negative' news regarding Mandeep, but I can't believe it. I don't want to think or even talk about it. I am hopeful that he will return too," said Jagdeep Singh.

It has been more than six months since the family last heard from Mandeep, who is stuck in the Russian war zone. They had spoken to him on March 3, and there has been no update on his whereabouts since.

Jagdeep doesn't want to share what the returnee told him. "I do not even want to mention it. I don't want to believe any of that," he said.

Mandeep had gone to Armenia to earn a livelihood. He then came in contact with a travel agent through social media who promised to send him to Italy. Later, he reportedly tricked him into joining the Russian army.

Meanwhile, Narain Singh from Nawanshahr has also not returned from Russia. His family has been waiting desperately for his return. They told The Tribune that he (Narain) was able to connect with them on WhatsApp. "He is doing other jobs now. He has been entrusted with other tasks by the commanders there," said Narain's brother Lakhwinder Singh.