One more Nepali working in Russian Army has died. The dead one has been identified as Kundan Nagal, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
With this, the number of Nepalis killed in the Russia-Ukraine war has reached seven. Nepal said on Monday that six of its citizens had been killed while serving as mercenaries in the Russian army and another had been captured in Ukraine.
Russia has been requested again via the Russian Ambassador to Nepal to repatriate the dead bodies of the Nepalis, who joined Russian Army and provide compensation to families of the dead and the injured ones.
In a press release issued today, Russia has been asked again not to recruit Nepali citizens in military and send back those Nepalis who are in the army. Similarly, information is sought immediately from Russia about the number of Nepalis who have joined the Russian army, injured ones and their condition.
The Foreign Ministry has also urged all Nepalis to compulsorily receive no objection certificates (NOC) even from Nepali Embassies and General Consulates of India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, the UAE, Saudi Arab, Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain if they are traveling to Russia via these countries. Earlier, the NOC was issued only from Consular Service Department under the Foreign Ministry for those going to Russia.
Meanwhile, the government has expressed serious concern over four Nepalis being held captive in Ukraine. The government has requested the government of Ukraine via diplomatic channel to release and return the captives, according to the Foreign Ministry.
Efforts are underway for the release and return of the Nepalis held captive, via International Committee of Red Cross.
Those held captive by Ukraine are Bibek Khatri from Rajapur-1, Bardiya, Siddhartha Dhakal from Mandandeupur-6, Kavrepalanchok, Bikas Rai from Letang-2, Morang, and Pratik Pun from Runtigadhi-8, Rolpa. Utmost efforts are underway for their release, the Foreign Ministry has said.
