Parents of students from Madhya Pradesh studying in Kyrgyzstan are pleading with the Indian government to ensure the safe return of their children. This comes after reports of clashes between locals and foreigners in Bishkek, the capital city.
There are approximately 15,000 Indian students in Kyrgyzstan. Alka Solanki, whose son Raj is a medical student there, expressed her concerns in an interview on Tuesday. "My son is frightened by the recent events. I just want him and the other students to come back home safely. I've spoken to him, and the students are not allowed to leave their accommodations. They are very scared," she said.
Chen Singh Choudhary, father of MBBS student Yogesh, described an incident where a fight broke out between locals and some Egyptian students over an eve-teasing issue, which then escalated into attacks on foreign students. "We appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Mohan Yadav to ensure the students' safe return," he said.
On May 18, the Indian government advised students in Bishkek to stay indoors following reports of the clashes.
Leena Sarathe, whose son Ravi is in his third year of medical school, also voiced her worries. "My son and other students are terrified due to the current situation in Bishkek. I want him to return safely," she stated.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has previously advised Indian students to stay in close contact with the Indian embassy. The Indian embassy in Kyrgyzstan has reassured parents that they are in communication with the students and that the situation is under control.
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