URI, Oct 20 : In a deeply distressing development, a Kashmiri youth from Uri has allegedly been held captive in Russia and forced into military service, marking what is believed to be the first reported case of a j&k resident falling victim to the ongoing Russian military recruitment scam.

The victim, identified as Azaz Gillani, a resident of Saidpora, Uri, is a father of three young children. His distraught mother and family members have made a desperate appeal to the Government of India for his immediate rescue and safe return.
According to family sources, Azaz left for Russia just 10 days ago after being provided a visa. For the first ten days, he remained in regular touch with his family, confirming he was safe. However, the situation took a terrifying turn when Azaz managed to make a sudden, frantic phone call to his home.
He informed his family that his mobile phone was being confiscated and issued a chilling ultimatum by local handlers: either join the Russian military or face severe physical punishment and imprisonment.
"He told us his phone was being snatched away," a relative stated. "They gave him no choice. It is either the army or torture."
This incident mirrors a dangerous, well-documented international scam where dozens of Indian youths have previously been duped by fraudulent travel agents promising high-paying jobs or security roles in Russia, only to be forced onto the front lines of the Ukraine war. While several Indians have been affected by this racket over the past two years, this is the first time a youth from Kashmir has been ensnared in the trap.
Back home in Saidpora, an atmosphere of grief and panic has taken over. Azaz’s elderly parents are inconsolable, terrified for their son’s life in a foreign conflict zone. His mother has publicly appealed to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the central government to intervene through diplomatic channels before it is too late.
Local authorities are being urged to look into the travel agents involved in processing Azaz's visa