In a laudable move, police have successfully busted a few rackets responsible for sending Nepali youths to join the Russian Army. This illicit operation has not only put the lives of our fellow citizens in imminent danger but has also cast a dark shadow on Nepal's international standing. It is imperative that the government takes swift and comprehensive action to dismantle similar other rackets active in sending Nepali youths to war zones and prevent further exploitation of our youths. The commendable efforts of the police have led to the arrest of 12 individuals involved in this nefarious activity. Their illicit operations spanned both Nepal and India, highlighting the need for cross-border collaboration in dismantling such criminal networks. The arrests shed light on the depth of this operation, with indications that more arrests may follow in the coming days.

During the investigation, it was discovered that the racket facilitated the travel of Nepali youths to Russia using visit visas. Shockingly, the involvement of active personnel from the Nepal Police in attempting to join the Russian Army for financial gains was also exposed. This raises serious concerns about the integrity and discipline within our security forces. The revelation that ex-policemen and soldiers have joined the Russian Army is deeply troubling. The three groups, led by Sujata Dahal, Ishwar Adhikari, and Hari BK, were specifically targeted for their involvement in sending people to Russia as mercenaries. The fact that an ex-serviceman of the Nepali Army, Hari BK, had successfully sent 18 people to Russia underscores the severity of the situation. The use of both Nepali and Indian routes by the gang to send individuals to Russia adds another layer of complexity to this issue. It is crucial to determine the fate of those who might have lost their lives while serving in the Russian Army under these illicit circumstances. The government must ensure a thorough investigation to bring to light any casualties resulting from this criminal enterprise.

As a nation, Nepal has maintained a principled stance against Russia's invasion of Ukraine. We have stood against the invasion of a sovereign country and any attempt to annex territory of another sovereign nation by force. It is disheartening to see our citizens unwittingly becoming pawns in conflicts that do not align with our national interests. The government must take decisive action to put an end to this racket, not only to safeguard the lives of our youths but also to preserve the credibility of our nation on the global stage. While the police have done an admirable job in uncovering these rackets, there is an urgent need for the government to support and expand these efforts. The operation should extend beyond Kathmandu, covering all potential hubs of such illegal activities. Additionally, measures should be implemented to strengthen border security and cooperation with neighboring countries to curb the cross-border trafficking of Nepali youths. As a newspaper, we believe that the government must treat this issue with the utmost urgency and seriousness it deserves. Swift and decisive action is needed to dismantle these rackets, apprehend all those involved, and send a clear message that Nepal will not tolerate the exploitation of its citizens for illegal and dangerous activities. This will not only protect the lives of our youth but also safeguard the reputation and credibility of our nation on the international stage.

 
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