Gandhinagar — The Gujarat government is diligently coordinating with the Indian Ministry of External Affairs to secure the safety and repatriation of approximately 100 students from Gujarat stranded in Kyrgyzstan. Following increasing reports of attacks on Indian students in the Central Asian country, families in Surat district expressed their concerns to Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel.
In response, Chief Minister Patel instructed Chief Secretary Raj Kumar to liaise closely with the Indian Ministry of External Affairs. Chief Secretary Raj Kumar has since contacted the Ministry and the Indian Embassy in Kyrgyzstan to ensure detailed arrangements for the students' safe return.
Raj Kumar highlighted that around 17,000 students from various Indian states, including Gujarat, are currently in Kyrgyzstan for medical and other higher education studies. The Indian Embassy in Kyrgyzstan remains in constant contact with local universities and senior government officials to ensure the safety of Indian students.
To assist students in Kyrgyzstan, the Indian Embassy has activated two 24/7 helpline numbers: 055710041 and 055005538. Students are encouraged to reach out to these numbers to report their situation. Families of the students have been urged not to believe rumors about the attacks.
It is important to note that violence erupted in Kyrgyzstan's capital, Bishkek, on May 13, with Indian, Pakistani, and Bangladeshi students being targeted. The Gujarat government continues to prioritize the safety and well-being of its students abroad, ensuring that all necessary measures are taken for their swift and secure return.
