False information caused panic - Zhumaliev Barsbek

Q. The recent incident of violence in Kyrgyzstan, particularly against foreign students, has somewhat instilled a sense of fear among Indian students there. Please give us a sense of exactly what transpired and how the violence went out of hand.

The recent violence in Kyrgyzstan erupted due to misinformation in the media, which led to the escalation of the conflict. This false information caused panic and provoked heightened ethnic tensions and socio-political unrest, which unfortunately escalated into attacks targeting foreign nationals, including Indian students. Foreign students were caught in the chaos, leading some Indian students to call for evacuation due to the fear of being attacked.

Q. The violence occurred quite close to the International Medical University. Were students of your university affected at all?

The violence occurred near the International Medical University (IMU), which heightened concerns among students and staff. Although the campus itself wasn’t directly attacked, the proximity of the violence created a palpable sense of fear among the student body. Despite this, every student remained calm because all university staff were present with them, providing reassurance and support. Additionally, a full regiment of the Ministry of Internal Affairs was deployed to patrol the campus day and night, ensuring their safety. No student within the IMU campus was subjected to violence or injured.

Q. What steps did your university take to ensure students were safe?

IMU promptly took several measures to ensure the safety of its students. These included:

• Immediate lockdown of the campus.
• Increased security personnel on campus.
• Collaboration with local law enforcement to monitor and secure the university premises.
• Communication channels were established for regular updates and safety instructions.

Q. After the violence began, about how many foreign students studying in your university returned to their home countries for fear of being attacked?

Following the outbreak of violence, a significant number of foreign students chose to return to their home countries. Estimates suggest that about 20-30% of the foreign student population at IMU opted to leave, driven by safety concerns and advice from their respective embassies.

Q. Have some of them returned to the university since?

Since the initial exodus, some students have returned to IMU as the situation stabilized and additional security measures were implemented. The university, in coordination with foreign embassies, worked to assure returning students of their safety.

Q. What steps is IMU taking to ensure students are safe in case of another incident of violence?

IMU is enhancing its safety protocols to prepare for any potential future incidents. These measures include:

• Continuous coordination with local police and international embassies.
• Regular safety drills and briefings for students and staff.
• Establishment of emergency response teams within the campus.

Q. On average, what is the percentage of foreign students studying at your university? How many are from India?

On average, about 60% of IMU’s student population consists of foreign nationals. Indian students make up a significant portion, comprising approximately 25% of the total student body.

Q. What makes Kyrgyzstan an attractive destination for foreign medical students?

Kyrgyzstan is attractive to foreign medical students due to several factors:

• Affordable tuition fees compared to Western countries.
• Quality medical education with English-medium courses.
• Recognized degrees by global medical councils.
• Cultural diversity and relatively lower cost of living

Q. How much does it cost for an international student to study at IMU?

The price is USD 5,600 per year with all additional fees, including accommodation, insurance, and visa fee.

Q. Have there been any incidents of discrimination or bias against foreign students at IMU Kyrgyzstan before this recent violence?

Before this recent incident, there were no major reports of discrimination or bias against foreign students at IMU Kyrgyzstan. The university prides itself on maintaining a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students.

Q. How does the university plan to rebuild trust and confidence among its international student community after such incidents?

To rebuild trust, IMU is:

• Enhancing campus security measures.
• Hosting town hall meetings with students and staff to address concerns.
• Establishing open communication lines with parents and guardians.
• Organizing intercultural events to strengthen community bonds.

Q. What counseling or mental health support services are available to students who may have been traumatized by the violence?

IMU provides comprehensive counseling and mental health support services. These include:

• On-campus counselors available for personal and group sessions.
• Partnerships with mental health organizations for additional resources.
• Support groups and stress management workshops.

Q. Are there any ongoing efforts to foster better understanding and cultural exchange between local Kyrgyz students and their international peers?

To foster better understanding and cultural exchange, IMU is:

• Organizing cultural exchange programs and events.
• Encouraging collaboration and interaction between local and international students through clubs and societies.
• Integrating cultural competency training into the curriculum.

Q. How does IMU collaborate with other educational institutions and embassies to address security concerns for foreign students?

IMU collaborates actively with other educational institutions and embassies to address security concerns by:

• Regular meetings with embassy representatives to discuss student safety.
• Joint security protocols and information sharing.
• Participation in international educational forums to stay updated on best practices for student safety.