150 Kyrgyzstan Students Arrive in India Amid Violence

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Key Takeaways:

Situation in Bishkek: 150 students returned to India from Bishkek amid mob violence; online classes spurred their decision.
Embassy Assistance: The Indian Embassy arranged transport and offered contact numbers for any issues faced by students.
Media and Agents’ Role: Media pressure prompted embassy action; agents facilitated essentials and flights despite claiming limited responsibility.

150 Kyrgyzstan Students Arrive in India Amid Violence

What Happened in Bishkek?

On Friday, a flight carrying 150 students from Kyrgyzstan landed in Delhi. These students, seeking refuge from mob violence that erupted in Bishkek, managed to return to India despite numerous challenges.

“Although the situation had improved over the last two days, we chose to return as Bishkek medical schools had shifted to online classes,” shared a student from Aligarh. The decision to transition to online learning was instrumental in the students’ decision to head back home.

Why Did Students Decide to Return?

Amidst the chaos, students realized that their universities had begun arranging flights. This, combined with the onset of online classes, prompted them to make their way to India. “As soon as the online classes started and we knew that flights were being arranged, we made a dash for India,” said the same student from Aligarh.

Transport to the nearest airport was organized with minimal charges by their universities, and both teachers and student contractors came to see them off. The students normally pay around Rs 10,000 for a flight to India, but prices have surged as high as Rs 28,000 due to the increased demand.

One student mentioned, “There is a huge rush at airports, and boarding takes hours. We almost missed our flight.”

How Did the Indian Embassy Help?

Amid this turmoil, the Indian Embassy’s intervention brought some relief. The situation in Bishkek improved, allowing students to venture out after being confined to their apartments since the violence erupted on May 18.

“The situation in Bishkek is calm. However, upon request of Indian students, the embassy is working with medical universities in the Kyrgyz Republic to arrange for their transport to the nearest international airports. Students should contact their respective medical universities. In case of any problem, the embassy can be contacted at 0555710041 and 0555005538,” the Indian Embassy in Kyrgyzstan stated on its official X handle.

Despite this assistance, there was no official statement from the embassy regarding a viral video showing a student being directed to contact “their contractor” after dialing a helpline number.

What Was the Role of the Media?

It was after The Tribune highlighted the issue that the Indian Embassy initiated contact with contractors and universities, subsequently meeting with students. Parental pressure from India facilitated the swift start of online classes, allowing students to return home.

Are Admission Agents Responsible?

When questioned about their role, an admission agent in Bishkek responded, “How is it our responsibility? We take care of students’ admission, visas, etc. But when the need arose, we helped them with essentials. Now that we have been asked by the embassy to step in, we are also arranging flights for them. We are admission agents, not students’ guardians.”

How Can Students Get Support from the Embassy?

If you’re an Indian student in Kyrgyzstan and require assistance, the Indian Embassy advises contacting your medical university first. Should you encounter any issues, you can reach the embassy at 0555710041 or 0555005538. For more detailed information on how to seek help from the Indian Embassy in Kyrgyzstan, you can visit the Embassy of India in Bishkek.

How Are Legal Authorities Responding?

The Punjab and Haryana High Court have emphasized the need for stricter regulatory mechanisms to control deceitful visa agents. This comes in light of several cases where such agents have compromised the safety and aspirations of individuals seeking to travel abroad. Justice Anoop Chitkara of the HC highlighted the desperation among youth for overseas opportunities as a driving factor behind visa frauds.

In dismissing the anticipatory bail plea of an accused in a Ludhiana cheating case, Justice Chitkara remarked that deceitful agents are not only playing with the lives of victims but are also mocking public aspirations.

Advice for Students Facing Similar Situations

Stay Informed: Keep an eye on updates from your university and the Indian Embassy.
Communicate: Maintain open lines of communication with your university and embassy.
Documentation: Keep all necessary documents, including visas and advisories, in order.
Travel Cautiously: Be aware of flight schedules and prices; book tickets in advance if possible.

In these challenging times, the coordinated efforts of universities, the embassy, and the media have provided significant support to students. With continued vigilance and assistance, students can navigate crises more effectively while ensuring their safety and well-being.

Learn Today:

Glossary of Immigration Terms

Mob Violence
Sudden and violent conflict caused by large groups of people, often characterized by chaos and destruction. In this context, it led to students fleeing Bishkek.
Indian Embassy
The diplomatic mission of India in a foreign country, providing support and services to Indian citizens abroad. Here, it played a key role in coordinating the return of students from Kyrgyzstan amid violent unrest.
Admission Agents
Professionals or agencies that assist students in gaining admission to educational institutions abroad, including handling paperwork like visas. In the given scenario, their role expanded to arranging safe passage for students during the crisis.
Visa Agents
Individuals or companies specializing in obtaining necessary travel documents for students or travelers. The term also refers to deceptive agents in the context where stricter regulations are highlighted.
Online Classes
A method of delivering education via the internet, allowing students to continue their studies remotely. This transition was a critical factor in students’ decision to return to India amidst the unrest in Bishkek.

This Article In A Nutshell:

Chaos erupted in Bishkek, forcing 150 medical students to flee to India, aided by their universities and the Indian Embassy. The introduction of online classes facilitated the decision to return. Students faced crowded airports and high ticket prices but are safely back home, thanks to collaborative efforts.
— By VisaVerge.com

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