An angry mob attacked the living quarters of students from Pakistan and other Asian countries in Kyrgyzstan forcing them to flee. Students say they are leaving the country although some hope to return when the situation calms down.
Furious mob ran rampant
The incident occurred in the early hours of May 17. Insiders say the incident took place because of a brawl that happened between several Kyrgyz men and foreigners a few days earlier.
Imran Yousaf, a pathologist at the International University Kyrgyzstan, said the situation was his “worst nightmare.”
“They invaded our… hostel and it was a terrifying moment for all of us and it was the worst nightmare.”
Students flee Krgyzstan
Yousaf said the students attempted to hide but the attackers found and beat them up. Some women students were also assaulted. He added that the police were present but unable to stop the violence.
The government of Pakistan has arranged extra flights leaving daily from Bishkek. Many students are using the opportunity to return home.
Medical schools of Kyrgyzstan have become popular for aspiring doctors from India, Pakistan, and other Asian and Arab countries. This is due to relatively affordable fees and living expenses.
Meanwhile, the Kyrgyz government has sought to allay foreign students’ fears and held meetings with student leaders. They have expressed hope that those who are leaving will return in a few months. Police have also detained more than a dozen of the suspected attackers.
Krgyz government takes action
Yousaf believes the government of Kyrgyzstan has taken “beautiful steps.”
“Our student council was invited to the parliament of Kyrgyzstan, along with the President, there was a one-on-one meeting, and I hope, Inshallah (God willing), with hope in my eyes and logic on my back, that this situation will simmer down in the days to come.”
This is not the fist time that students have been attacked abroad. Indian students had faced a spate of attacks in the US earlier in the year
(REUTERS)
