Kozhikode: Anandhu B, a youth from Thiruvananthapuram studying at a medical college in Kyrgyzstan, has described an atmosphere of anxiety due to a lack of information, as hostels housing foreign students, including Indians, reportedly face attacks by mobs in Bishkek, the country's capital.

"Lack of information is keeping us on edge," he said, adding that the only guidance from the Indian Embassy is to stay indoors and an emergency contact number has been provided.

Anandhu, the fifth-year MBBS student, noted that purported video WhatsApp forwards of foreign students being attacked are causing panic among them and their families, even though the situation seems to be calming down.

According to Anandhu, there are more than 30 Malayalis in his college, most of whom are girls. "There are no classes. Most Malayalis are in college hostels and, as of now, there is no food shortage. However, those in rented accommodation may face food shortages if the situation prolongs, as we are advised not to step out for anything," he said.

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Anandhu B

Though college hostels are considered safer, the social media narrative that even these hostels are not spared during mob attacks is troubling Malayali students. They also worry about whether the police will support them if they are attacked. 

Meanwhile, Anandhu stated that he has no plans to return to India and remains hopeful that things will settle. "Earlier, during the pandemic, many returned and their academics were affected. Even those who attended online classes had a cumbersome experience. Many who returned were hopeful of being allowed to complete the remaining period of their medical education in India or here. But due to mandates, many had to discontinue," he added.

India on Saturday asked its students in Bishkek to stay indoors after the Kyrgyz capital city reported fights between some locals and foreigners. The Indian Embassy said it is in touch with the Indian students and that the situation is 'calm' now. The Indian Embassy stated, "We are in touch with our students. The situation is presently calm, but students are advised to stay indoors for the moment and get in touch with the Embassy in case of any issue."

The number of Indian students in Kyrgyzstan is estimated to be around 15,000. It was not immediately known how many of them are in Bishkek.

Earlier, Pakistan's Embassy in Bishkek said the matter escalated after videos of a fight between Kyrgyz and Egyptian students on 13 May went viral online on Friday. "A few hostels of medical universities in Bishkek and private residences of international students, including Pakistanis, have been attacked. The hostels are inhabited by students from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh," it said.

Police in riot gear were deployed in parts of Kyrgyzstan's capital overnight as large crowds gathered in anger over an alleged fight between local and foreign people, reports said. The incident appears to reflect the tension over the presence of migrants, many from South Asia, in Kyrgyzstan.