MEA assures safety of Kashmiri students in Kyrgyzstan: JKSA

SRINAGAR — The Ministry of External Affairs has responded to concerns raised by the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) regarding the safety of Kashmiri students in Kyrgyzstan.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Nasir Khuehami, the National Convenor of the Association, confirmed that the Ministry assured them of the stability of the situation in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan.

The Association had previously urged External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar to evacuate Indian students following reports of mob attacks and violence in Bishkek. However, the Ministry’s response, conveyed through a letter, stated that there are no restrictions on transportation or movement of people in the area.

According to the Ministry, Manas International Airport in Bishkek remains accessible to Indian students, with operational air connectivity to India. Direct flights are available from Bishkek, as well as through other cities such as Almaty, Dubai, Istanbul, and Tashkent.

Students have been advised to plan their travel for vacations via commercial flights in consultation with their respective university administrations after completing their exams. Already, some students have begun returning to India using commercial flights, as confirmed by Khuehami.

The Indian Embassy in Bishkek is in regular communication with the Association, providing assurance of full support if needed for Kashmiri students.

Expressing gratitude for the Ministry’s prompt intervention, the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association acknowledged the relief provided to students and their families. They also appreciated the coordination of Bishkek Embassy officials and the Ambassador, who took the issue seriously with Kyrgyz authorities.

Families of students studying in Bishkek and other cities of Kyrgyzstan have expressed satisfaction with the response and intervention, noting that all students are reported to be safe and secure.