Amidst the turmoil in Bishkek, the family of Ayesha Shirin Roy, a girl from Gaurela Pendra Marwahi currently in Kyrgyzstan, expressed their concerns about her safety. Ayesha, a medical student, is frightened by the ongoing violence and desires to return home.
Her family has been unable to maintain contact with her. Ayesha’s aunt, Susanna Roy, told ANI on Thursday, “My niece lives there. She is a fourth-year MBBS student. She is caught up in the prevailing violence and riots and is spending anxious days. Earlier, we would often stay in touch with her over the phone. However, after the prevailing cycle of violence erupted, we spoke last night but there has been no contact since 5 in the morning.”
Ayesha conveyed that they lack information about the outside situation as they are under strict security. She pleaded, “Please call me back. I am very scared as the situation is getting worse by the day. So, please use all means to establish contact with me,” Susanna added.
#WATCH | Kin of Ayesha Shirin Roy, who is stuck in Kyrgyzstan says, " We spoke to her yesterday night. We have been trying to contact her since morning today but couldn't establish any contact…" pic.twitter.com/X0ZeJqgT1f
— ANI (@ANI) May 23, 2024
Her niece and other hostel residents were moved to a bunker after threats of an attack on the hostel. “Amid these fights, riots, the hostel received information that it could be attacked. So, the dean shifted all the boarders to a bunker at another place where they could stay safe. The madam there has been ensuring the students’ safety,” she said.
Ayesha’s uncle also spoke to ANI, mentioning that while they managed to contact her the previous night, they have not been able to reach her since. “We spoke to her yesterday night. We are worried as we have been trying to contact her since morning today but haven’t been able to.”
When asked about the security measures, he expressed partial satisfaction. “We are not fully satisfied. However, the university has provided security to her and fellow boarders. Security guards are fewer and rioters on the streets more amid the prevailing unrest. They are getting food only once a day. The outside supply of their food is being hampered. They are facing difficulties in sourcing food. If they get food from outside, the rioters might sense their presence and attacks might follow.”
The family has reached out to the local authorities and even contacted Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai for intervention. “We have appealed to the Collector Madam here. After we took our worries to the CM, he spoke to my niece over there and assured her that the government would do everything to bring her back at the earliest.”
Violent clashes have erupted in Bishkek among student groups, with reports of attackers using batons and injuring international students. Hostel rooms have been forcibly entered.
Many Indian students pursue higher education in Kyrgyzstan, particularly in Bishkek. According to the Indian Embassy in Kyrgyzstan, about 17,000 Indian students are currently in the country. In response to the situation, the Indian Embassy has been actively collaborating with universities and government officials to address the students’ concerns. They have provided 24×7 helplines (0555710041 and 0555005538) for assistance.
The Embassy urged students and their families not to believe rumors spread by mischievous elements. On Thursday, the Embassy stated that the situation in Bishkek has stabilized. In a post on X, the Embassy mentioned, “Situation in and around Bishkek is normal and stable today. Flights to India are operational. 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 at 0555710041 and 0555005538.”
“The Embassy has been concerned at the recent incidents of violence against foreign students in Bishkek. However, due to swift action by the Kyrgyz authorities, the situation in Bishkek has returned to normal,” stated the Embassy of India in Kyrgyzstan.
