23 May 2024: Many parents of students in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, have expressed grave concerns over their children’s safety following recent violent incidents. Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, has become a focal point of unrest after a clash on May 13 between local and international students escalated into other incidents of violence and intimidation.
Kyrgyzstan, known for its popular medical universities, attracts a significant number of students from the Indian subcontinent and other regions. As of April 2023, approximately 9,500 students from these regions are enrolled in medical programs across the country.
The violence on May 13 began with a fight between local Kyrgyz students and students from Egypt and other Arab countries. The situation escalated on May 16 when mobs started targeting international students, especially those from India and Pakistan. Reports indicate that groups of locals attacked these students even as they were pleading for help.
In response to the crisis, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar assured that the Indian government is closely monitoring the welfare of Indian students in Bishkek. He advised students to stay in regular touch with the Indian embassy and remain indoors until the situation stabilizes. The Indian embassy has confirmed that the situation is currently calm and the embassy is in constant contact with the students. As the exams approach, students have been advised to stay focused on their studies. A two-and-a-half-month holiday is scheduled to follow the exams, after which students will be called back.
Kyrgyzstan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement asserting that the situation in Bishkek is under control and that all necessary measures are being taken to ensure security and stability. The ministry also condemned the spread of false information about the situation, particularly targeting foreign media and social networks in Pakistan.
