Despite the Indian Embassy in Kyrgyzstan assuring normalcy for students days after reports of mob violence against international students and workers, many remain in fear of prolonged attacks in the country.
“The situation in and around Bishkek is normal and stable today. Flights to India are operational. The Embassy is in contact with Medical Universities in Kyrgyzstan to address concerns of Indian students. They can reach out to the Embassy for any assistance,” said the Indian Embassy in Bishkek on X (formerly Twitter), on May 23.
Though the exact reason behind the attacks are not clear, multiple reports, student accounts, and videos suggest that tensions escalated after a brawl between Kyrgyz locals and international students – mainly Pakistanis and Egyptians – on the night of May 13.
“The fight between the locals and students led to the former arriving at our hostels in droves. The students fought them back, videos of which went viral on social media. This led to thousands of locals coming out on the streets of Bishkek, on the night of May 17, alleging little to no action against the overseas students involved in the fight.
“The locals entered dorms and hostels housing international students around Bishkek, and attacked many of them leaving them injured,” said Vishnu Rao, an Indian student, who is in his final year of MBBS at the International School of Medicine (ISM).
Students told The PIE that the violence continued over the next few days, as they alleged physical and verbal abuse by locals on the streets, near the airport, and also while buying food or groceries.
“The violence didn’t just happen in Bishkek but also spread to cities such as Kant and Osh,” said another Indian medical student, who didn’t wish to be named. “Some of us are staying put in hostels, others are residing with their friends in apartments as we all are scared of any continued attacks,” added the student.
Kyrgyzstan has become increasingly popular among Indian and South Asian students in recent years, with tuition fees for medicine studies in their home countries being expensive – coupled with few seats available for admissions.
As per official government data, over 17,000 Indian students pursue higher education in the landlocked nation. With students from India figuring among a significant chunk of international students, politicians in the country have also raised concerns over the recent mob violence.
“I have written a letter to express distress over the current situation of Indian students in Kyrgyzstan and urging the MEA to make all efforts possible to bring the students back home safely. More than demands, it is a cry of students’ parents that they return home safely,” said Satyajeet Tambe, a member of the Legislative Council in the West Indian state of Maharashtra.
“There are more than 500 students from districts across Maharashtra studying in Kyrgyzstan, who come from humble backgrounds. As per multiple sources, the students are scared and disturbed mentally. They cannot move out of their hostels or respective houses,” Tambe told The PIE.
Meanwhile, over 3000 Pakistani students have been evacuated from Kyrgyzstan by the Pakistani government, as per a statement by Ishaq Dar, the country’s Minister of Foreign Affairs. The number is expected to have risen to 4000 by late Thursday, May 23.
“I will be receiving my visa to go back to Pakistan in the next two days. Though our University has sheltered us and is providing us with food and other amenities, the violence over the past couple of days has left us traumatised. It is expected that Pakistan will be sending more flights in the next 10-15 days to take us back home,” said Sarmad Panhwar, a Pakistani student studying at the Asian Medical Institute.
Around 10,000-11,000 Pakistani students are studying in Kyrgyzstan.
I have written a letter to express distress over the current situation of Indian students in Kyrgyzstan
Satyajeet Tambe, Legislative Council of Maharashtra
Pakistan will also be setting up an inquiry committee to ascertain the reasons behind the attacks – the findings of which will be submitted in two weeks, according to Dar. Reports of deaths of four Pakistani students during the violence have also been refuted by the government.
Though the situation has been comparatively calmer in more recent days, classes will be conducted in an online mode as a precaution.
“No untoward incident has been reported in Bishkek during the past few days. There are no restrictions on the movement of transport or people. However, as a measure of precaution, the classes are being conducted in an online mode,” read the official statement by the Indian Embassy.
Moreover, the Indian Ambassador to Kyrgyzstan, Arun Kumar Chatterjee, and Embassy officials paid a visit to Jalal-Abad State University, ISM, International Medical University, Eurasian Medical University, Royal Metropolitan University, and Avicenna University, over the past week to interact with the students and address their woes.
According to Kyrgyz news outlet 24.kg, 29 individuals suffered injuries from the mob attacks as per data released by the Kyrgyz Health Ministry. The Kyrgyz police have detained several people for the attacks on international students and migrants, the media outfit said.
Kyrgyzstan’s president Sadyr Japarov slammed the mob attacks, in a public statement, highlighting the valuable contributions of international students and workers to the country’s economy.