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☝️ At a glance
- Violence erupted after harassment of Egyptian female students and a clash between Kyrgyz and Egyptian students.
- Riot police deployed to control the situation, with increased patrolling and arrests.
- Indian Embassy reassured safety and advised staying indoors; Pakistan evacuated 180 students.
- Local gangs targeted foreign students, prompting heightened security.
- Authorities ensured safety through campus visits, online classes, and advisories to stay on campus.
📖 Table of Contents
Recent events in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, have raised serious concerns among international medical students and their families. Both India and Pakistan have issued advisories urging their students to stay indoors following reports of altercations between local residents and foreigners. This article explains; what happened, why the situation escalated, and how it has affected students from India, Pakistan, and other countries.
What Happened?
According to local media, certain hostels housing international students, including those from Pakistan, and private residences were attacked. These hostels primarily cater to students from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. The tension reportedly was caused from an incident involving harassment of female students from Egypt. Tensions escalated after a video showing a confrontation between Kyrgyz students and Egyptian medical students surfaced on 13th May.
Law Enforcement Response
In response to the situation, law enforcement officers in riot gear were deployed in certain areas of Bishkek overnight as crowds gathered to express their anger over the altercation. It was reported that the police presence aimed to calm the situation.
India’s Advisory and Response
On Sunday, the Indian Embassy in Kyrgyzstan reassured that all Indian students are safe and advised them to stay indoors. The Embassy also provided a helpline for students to contact in case of any issues. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar advised Indian students to stay in regular touch with the Indian Embassy, emphasizing the importance of following local guidelines.
Why Indian Students Choose Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan is a popular destination for Indian students seeking a medical degree due to its affordable tuition fees and internationally recognized degrees. Approximately 15,000 Indian students are currently studying in Kyrgyzstan. Kyrgyzstan attracts Indian students for its affordable tuition. However, challenges include cultural differences, lower quality education, language barriers, and difficulties in obtaining license for practicing in India post-graduation. Prospective students should weigh these factors before choosing Kyrgyzstan for their medical studies.
Impact on Pakistani Students
A dedicated flight recently arrived in Lahore, Pakistan, carrying 180 Pakistani students who were evacuated following the violence. The attacks involved local residents targeting buildings where foreign students, including Pakistanis, were residing. Although the situation has now calmed, the initial lack of police intervention added to the chaos and fear among the students.
Student Experiences
An Indian student at the International Medical University (IMU) in Bishkek, described the attackers as part of a local “boxer gang” led by a social media influencer. These gangs reportedly targeted students living in Kyrgyzstan without proper documentation. He also mentioned that while Pakistani and Bangladeshi students were primarily attacked, no Indian students were harmed.
Another Indian student recounted how the violence initially began as a verbal dispute between locals and Egyptian students. The situation worsened when local students attacked the residential complexes of the Egyptians and other foreign students. He also stated that the local administration and police have since controlled the situation, with increased patrolling and some arrests made.
Safety Measures
The Indian Embassy has taken steps to ensure the safety of Indian students, including visits to medical colleges and encouraging students to stay in campus hostels. Colleges have shifted to online classes temporarily, and students have been provided with free food and support.
Final Takeaway
The recent violence in Bishkek has highlighted the vulnerabilities of international students studying abroad. While the situation has now been brought under control, it serves as a reminder of the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of students in foreign countries. The Kyrgyzstan’s government must continue to provide adequate security to restore confidence among international students, who significantly contribute to the local economy.
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