Watch video: Students from India, Pak, Bangladesh are being beaten, raped in Kyrgyzstan

New Delhi: Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, has been rocked by violence in recent days. Mobs have targeted hostels housing international students from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, sparking outrage and raising concerns about the safety of foreign nationals.

Clash turns deadly? Reports conflict on casualties

The unrest reportedly began after a brawl between local Kyrgyz residents and foreign students on May 13. A video of the altercation went viral, igniting tensions. Local media outlets claim the violence escalated on Friday, with mobs attacking student hostels.

Reports on casualties vary widely. Social media is rife with unconfirmed claims of deaths and assaults, including some suggesting three Pakistani students were killed. However, both the Pakistani and Indian embassies have urged caution. The Pakistani embassy clarified they haven't received confirmed reports of deaths, while the Indian embassy advised students to stay indoors.

Why Kyrgyzstan attracts South Asian students?

Kyrgyzstan has become a popular destination for medical education among students from South Asia, particularly India and Pakistan. This can be attributed to several factors:

• Affordable medical degrees: Compared to sky-high tuition fees in their home countries, medical degrees in Kyrgyzstan are significantly cheaper. A complete MBBS program costs around Rs. 22 lakh, a fraction of the cost in India.
• Internationally recognized qualifications: Degrees awarded by Kyrgyz medical institutions are recognized internationally, including by the World Health Organization (WHO).
• English medium instruction: While Russian is the official language, medical programs are often conducted in English, eliminating language barriers for international students.
• Lower cost of living: Kyrgyzstan boasts a lower cost of living compared to many South Asian nations, making it an attractive option for students.

Migrant influx and economic tensions

The recent violence may be a symptom of simmering tensions surrounding migration in Kyrgyzstan. The country has seen a significant influx of students from South Asia, alongside a wave of Russians seeking refuge from the war in Ukraine. This, coupled with an economic downturn, has caused anxiety among some local residents. Kyrgyzstan relies heavily on Russian investment and remittances, and the war has disrupted these crucial economic lifelines.

Authorities seek calm

The Kyrgyz government has assured the public that the situation is under control. Law enforcement officials are investigating the incident and have reportedly detained some individuals involved in the initial brawl.

The Indian and Pakistani embassies have issued advisories urging their citizens to stay indoors and maintain contact with the respective embassies. The situation remains fluid, and further developments are expected.