Kazakhstan Families Search for Clues About the 270,000 ‘Missing…

Kazakhstan families are desperately searching for answers regarding the 270,000 soldiers who disappeared during World War II. Many are connecting with private investigators to uncover the fates of their loved ones. Nazym Arzimbetova’s search for her uncle, Rashit Saguindykov, exemplifies this painful journey for closure, as his family still seeks to understand his tragic fate more than 80 years later.

The lingering pain of loss resonates in Kazakhstan, where families are desperate to uncover the fates of over 270,000 soldiers who vanished during World War II. Many families are, even now, digging through archives and reaching out to private investigators in Russia. These individuals seek answers about their loved ones who served in the Soviet Army but never returned, leaving behind a legacy of heartache and uncertainty.

Nazym Arzimbetova is among those affected. With tears in her eyes, she recounts the story of her uncle, Rashit Temirjanovich Saguindykov, who was conscripted at the young age of 20 in May 1942. Like many others, he left his hometown of Balkhash, situated on the shores of a large lake in central Kazakhstan, and never came back. His disappearance has haunted his family for decades, especially his mother, who died from grief over the loss of her only son.

Arzimbetova, now a therapist living in Almaty, has dedicated efforts to finding closure. She paid a hefty sum of 1 million tenges (approximately €1,750) to a private investigator based in Russia. This investigator searched through the Defense Ministry archives in Podolsk, located 40 kilometers outside of Moscow, and managed to unearth some details about Rashit’s service. Her findings revealed that her uncle was training during August 1942 at an army camp in the Russian region of Bashkiria. Unfortunately, his file contained no information on what happened next.

Still, Arzimbetova cannot help but check the information frequently on her phone, clinging to the hope that she may uncover more clues about her uncle’s fate. The emotional toll of the loss continues to affect her and countless others in similar situations. There is a deep desire for answers, and for many, the search is more than just finding names in history; it is about reclaiming a loved one’s memory and ensuring their story is not forgotten.

Families in Kazakhstan are on an emotional journey to uncover the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of their loved ones during World War II. The tragic stories of individuals like Rashit Saguindykov highlight the immense personal toll of the war, leaving families grappling with loss even after decades. Their incessant search for answers reflects a profound need for closure, as many hope to restore the dignity of their lost family members through recognition and acknowledgment of their sacrifices.

Original Source: www.lemonde.fr