Digital Desk: Ukraine Russia conflict has severely impacted people with the Russian invasion on stream for several days. In such a scenario, World War II-era bunkers are now the only hope for students from Assam in Sumy in northeastern Ukraine. Students could not find any other mode of escape from this Ukrainian city.
Shelling reverberates in the air even as they hide in the bunkers.
The city is only 50 miles from the Russian border, and those seeking refuge are medical students at Sumy State University, which the government runs.
While 15 Assamese students studying mainly in western Ukraine cities near the Hungary-Romania border were evacuated until Tuesday noon, the biggest challenge is getting Indians out of Ukraine's northeastern region. It will take them almost 1,500 kilometres to reach the borders of Hungary, Romania, and Poland, which provide refuge to Ukrainians.
Devraj Bhuyan, an Assamese boy, expressed they go to the bunkers at night. "We've been staying in bunkers with other abroad individuals since February 26," he explained.
"Since WW-II, the bunkers on Heroiv Krut Street, where our apartment is located, have been used during wartime. The bunkers are being used after a long period. They were cleaned, and the power was turned back on. We have sleeping arrangements for about 20 individuals. Still, it's impossible to study in the weak light," he added, adding that children, the elderly, and women are given priority in bunker accommodations.
According to Sumy State University's Assamese students, the locals take extra care of the stranded foreigners. "I was sharing a room with three Nigerian students in a rented apartment." "However, a local lady asked me to hide in the bunker," Devraj from Assam explained.
After failing to receive any assurances of evacuation from the Indian embassy, the students have been stocking ration items for a month, with supplies running out in stores.
Bishal Das, an Assam student, was recently ordered to be transferred to a different dormitory away from the countryside, where there is a lot of fighting.
"Our last hostel was near to the countryside, where large explosions could be heard all the time," he explained. "People in the countryside are usually more rebellious."
"The resident's assault everywhere they see the Russian army." Numerous soldiers are dressed in civilian clothes and prowling the streets. It's impossible to tell whose side they belong to," Bishal continued.
Since Monday night, over 20 international students, including Indians, have taken refuge in a bunker with Bishal. "We couldn't find a train that would take us from Sumy to the western border." "The roads are dangerous," Bishal stated.
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