KalimNews, 21 September 2024, Kalimpong: In an emotional reunion, former Indian Army soldier Urgen Tamang arrived home in Chhibo Busty, Ward No. 9 of Kalimpong, on September 21, 2024, after enduring 182 days of uncertainty and distress in Russia. His arrival at Bagdogra Airport was met with tears of joy from his wife, Ambika Tamang, and their two children.

“I witnessed many Indians perish in the conflict. Each day was a nightmare; I couldn’t eat or sleep. It’s hard to believe I’m finally home,” Tamang recounted, visibly shaken yet grateful for his safe return from the war zone. “I thank God for bringing me back to my family.”

Urgen’s return was made possible largely due to the relentless efforts of Rabi Pradhan, Chairman of the Kalimpong Municipality’s Board of Administrators. Pradhan, who had been in constant contact with Urgen during his ordeal, was present at the airport to welcome him back, accompanied by family and well-wishers.

Pradhan revealed the harrowing details of Tamang’s experience: “He spent five and a half months in the war zone after being misled by an agent who promised him a job as a helper in Russia. Instead, he was drafted into the Russian Army and sent to fight in Ukraine without any prior military experience.”

Urgen with Raja Pathan on the last day in Moscow.

The breakthrough in Tamang’s case came after Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised the issue during his visit to Russia in July 2024, directly discussing the release of Indians caught in the conflict with President Vladimir Putin. Following this, Pradhan reminded the Indian embassy in Moscow about Urgen’s plight on September 10, leading to his release from Russian authorities on September 17.

In a viral video posted on March 23, 2024, Tamang detailed his grim situation from the war front, pleading for assistance from Indian authorities. He highlighted the dangers faced by him and his comrades, stating that 13 out of 15 non-Russian soldiers in his unit were killed during combat.

Upon his return, Tamang expressed deep gratitude to Indian authorities, the embassy, Rabi Pradhan, and various NGOs for their unwavering support. He shared his struggles with despair during his captivity and how Pradhan’s encouragement fueled his hope for rescue.

Tamang, who served in the Indian Army for 18 years before retiring in 2018, revealed that he had been misled by an agent, Bishnu Pokhrel from Nepal, who promised him a lucrative job in Russia. Instead, he found himself facing the horrors of war, undergoing basic training before being sent to the front lines.