Indian Embassy strongly advises students in Kyrgyz to stay indoors
HYDERABAD: Indian students, particularly those from the Telugu states, are feeling worried about their safety in Kyrgyzs due to the rising violence in the country. They have reached out to the central government and the state governments of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, asking for immediate evacuation to protect themselves from any further harm.
A female MBBS student from Hyderabad described the tense situation over the phone, stating, “We are under threat. There are rumors about rape of girl students. We plead with the Indian government to arrange flights and take us back to India. Previously, there were attacks and mugging on the streets, but now it’s at a new level.”
Most of the Indian students are pursuing their medical studies here. Thousands of Indian and Pakistani medical students attacked by locals in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, in the early hours of Saturday, with hundreds reported injured.
Situation is under control: Indian Embassy
Reacting to this, Foreign Minister S Jaishankar also advised students to stay in regular touch with the embassy. “Monitoring the welfare of Indian students in Bishkek. Situation is reportedly calm now. Strongly advise students to stay in regular touch with the Embassy,” he said.
Monitoring the welfare of Indian students in Bishkek. Situation is reportedly calm now. Strongly advise students to stay in regular touch with the Embassy. https://t.co/xjwjFotfeR
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (Modi Ka Parivar) (@DrSJaishankar) May 18, 2024
The embassy stated, “There have been a number of incidents of mob violence against foreign students in Bishkek since last evening. According to the Kyrgyz press, the matter boiled over yesterday due to sharing online of videos of a fight between Kyrgyz students and medical students from Egypt on May 13.
Statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic on the current incidents in Bishkek. pic.twitter.com/vt1FEwGVka
— India in Kyrgyz Republic (@IndiaInKyrgyz) May 18, 2024
What is happening in Kyrgyzstan
According to the local media reports, tensions heightened following the circulation of videos showing a confrontation between Kyrgyz students and foreign students, specifically those from Pakistan and Egypt, on social media. The incident, which took place on May 13, was viewed by the local population as a clear breach of the hospitality extended to the foreign students.
Subsequently, some Kyrgyz individuals took to the streets on Friday night, claiming that officials were being too lenient towards the foreign students involved in the altercation. However, the police stated that they had apprehended three students promptly upon receiving reports of the May 13 fight.
Following these events, violent groups began targeting hostels of a medical university where students from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh were residing.
CM Revanth Reddy reorganizes disaster management for Greater Hyderabad
HYDERABAD: Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has decided to assign critical responsibilities to the Disaster Management Department within Greater Hyderabad. He has directed officials to implement structural changes and redistribute responsibilities accordingly. In a review meeting at the Secretariat on Monday evening, the Chief Minister discussed the reorganization with officials from Municipal Administration, HMDA, and Musi Development.
Expansion of disaster management responsibilities
Recognizing the geographic expansion of Hyderabad, the Chief Minister ordered the Disaster Management Department to extend its jurisdiction to the Outer Ring Road. He suggested including GHMC, 27 surrounding municipalities and corporations, and 33 gram panchayats within its service area. The department will be renamed the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Monitoring Protection (HYDRA). The Chief Minister proposed appointing a DIG-level officer as the director and SP-level officers as additional directors. He also recommended special teams from GHMC, HMDA, the Water Board, city traffic, and other departments to join this new division.
The Chief Minister emphasized the need for the Disaster Management Department to offer continuous services to city residents, not just during floods or emergencies. HYDRA should actively address all issues faced by Hyderabad’s citizens, including preserving the city’s tanks and ponds, protecting government properties from encroachments, and managing hoardings and flex banners. Additionally, HYDRA will oversee water pipelines, electricity supply lines, drainage, flood management, and traffic control.
Focus on heritage and infrastructure projects
Chief Minister Reddy directed the acceleration of the Musi River Development Project, aiming to elevate Hyderabad’s international reputation. He stressed the importance of working towards the government’s goal of transforming this project into a landmark. He also ordered officials to take necessary actions to restore historical buildings and structures within the city. The GHMC presented a PowerPoint on various heritage sites, such as the City Library, Charminar Ayurvedic Hospital, and Nizamia Observatory etc. The Chief Minister encouraged exploring ways to develop these sites for tourism and integrating feasible ones into the Musi River Development Project.
The Chief Minister instructed Chief Secretary Shantikumar to draft a comprehensive reorganization plan, including staffing, duties, and budget allocations for HYDRA. He also emphasized identifying key areas where the Disaster Management Department can enhance its operations.
The meeting included Chief Secretary Shantikumar, Principal Secretary of Municipal Administration and Urban Development Danakishore, GHMC Commissioner Amrapali, GHMC Vigilance Disaster Management Commissioner A.V. Ranganath, and Hyderabad Water Board MD Ashok Reddy.
