The government of Nepal has confirmed that seven more Nepalis serving in the Russian army have lost their lives. Issuing a press statement today, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said those killed in Russia include Purna Bahadur from Dhading, Nabin Shahi from Jajarkot, Padam Bahadur Ghimire from Udayapur, Ganga Ram Adhikari from Jhapa and Jit Bahadur BK from Baglung, Sanjaya KC from Banke and Sundar Moktan from Rasuwa.

The Ministry has reiterated Nepal’s policy not to allow Nepali citizens to recruit in foreign countries’ armies except for some friendly countries under the traditionally existing agreement. The Ministry has also reminded Nepalis to take a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to travel to Russia except for government officials, Russian scholarship holders and those involved in professions and businesses.

Likewise, the Ministry said the government has continued its diplomatic efforts with top priority to repatriate Nepalis recruited in the Russian army. The Russian government has been requested again for the repatriation of Nepalis working there, to ensure treatment to those injured, and to provide compensation to the families of Nepalis who lost their lives while serving the Russian army.

By Sweta Singh (Kathmandu)