Jalandhar, June 15 - North American Punjabi Association (NAPA) Executive Director Satnam Singh Chahal has appealed to the Indian government and the international humanitarian community to take immediate action for the safe release of three Punjabi youth. These youths were kidnapped in Iran and are now stuck there due to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran.
 Chahal said that Husanpreet Singh (27) resident of Sangrur, Amritpal Singh (23) resident of Hoshiarpur and Jaspal Singh (32) resident of Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar were kidnapped by an alleged international human trafficking syndicate while they were on their way to Australia via Tehran. 
These youths had paid about Rs 18 lakh each to agents in Punjab. They were assured of sending them to Australia legally, but their journey turned into a nightmare with beatings and demands for ransom. “The families of these youth are living in unprecedented fear and distress,” Chahal said. 
“The families of these youth are clinging to the assurances given by the Indian authorities, but the ongoing military unrest in Tehran due to the ongoing war between Israel and Iran is making their situation even more precarious. These youth are not just victims of a smuggling racket – they are now at the mercy of war.” 
He stressed that the deepening conflict between Iran and Israel has severely affected diplomatic and rescue efforts. He said that the Indian government has a moral responsibility to intensify efforts for the safe return of these youth. He appealed to international human rights organizations and the United Nations to assist in humanitarian access and intervention. 
“NAPA stands in complete solidarity with the affected families and appeals to Indian and global authorities to prioritize the safe return of these youth, who were misled by fraudulent smugglers and are now stranded in a war-torn region,” said Chahal. He said the Punjab government should take immediate legal action against the travel agents who perpetrated this tragedy.