Bhopal/Ujjain (MP) | Parents of students from Madhya Pradesh studying in Kyrgyzstan have urged the Centre to ensure the safe return of their wards amid reports of fights between locals and foreigners in its capital Bishkek.
As many as 15,000 students from India are reportedly studying in Kyrgyzstan. The Indian government on Saturday asked its students in Bishkek to stay indoors after the Kyrgyz capital city reported mob violence targeting international students, especially from South Asia.
Meanwhile, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav talked to three students, Vivek Sharma, Rohit Panchal and Ravi Sarathe, took stock of the situation and assured them of all possible help.
After holding talks with the students, Yadav said in a video statement that he was informed about the students from the state studying in Kyrgyzstan, where a fight erupted between locals and foreigners.
Yadav said that this incident triggered concern among the Indian students.
"I have talked to the students of Madhya Pradesh, including those from Ujjain, Mandsaur, Neemuch and other places. They are safe. We are in touch with the centre and the students are provided security," he said.
The MP chief minister said that about 1,200 students of Madhya Pradesh are studying in Kyrgyzstan.
"After a discussion, it was decided that the students should be called only after the completion of their examination. At the same time, we are ensuring their safety. The government is in touch with the students. Hope the situation will be normal soon," he said.
According to the CM, as per the information given by the students, they live in hostels and do not face any issues as of now.
The CM asked the students to continue with their studies and prepare for the upcoming examinations.
There will be a two-and-a-half-months-long holiday after the examination and then they will be called, Yadav told the students.
He assured the families and students to inform the district administration in case of any difficult situation and action will be taken immediately.
Talking to PTI on Tuesday, Alka Solanki said her son Raj was a medical student in the Central Asian country.
"My son is scared because of what has happened in the country in the last two days. I only want my son to return home safely with other students. I have spoken to my son, and students are not permitted to go outside. They are scared," she said.
Chen Singh Choudhary, whose son Yogesh is studying MBBS, claimed there was a fight between locals and some students from Egypt over an eve-teasing incident, following which locals started attacking students from foreign countries.
"We request Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Mohan Yadav to ensure the safe return of the students," he said.
Leena Sarathe, whose son Ravi is a third-year medical student, said, "My son and other students are scared because of the situation in Bishkek. I want my son to return home safely." Earlier, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had advised Indian students to stay in regular touch with the Indian embassy.
The Indian embassy in Kyrgyzstan said it was in touch with students, and the situation is calm.
