Kenyans Among Group Attacked at Indian University for Praying During Ramadhan

India
Entrance to a public university in India.
Photo
Indian Express

Kenyan students were among learners at an Indian university whose hostel was attacked in late March for offering Ramadhan prayers. 

The students were attacked by a group of 20-25 people which led to the injury of five students. 

On April 7, it was reported further that four foreign students were issued with immediate orders to vacate the university hostels under reports that their visas had expired. 

One of the students who was kicked out of the hostels is from East Africa but it was not immediately clear if he was from Kenya.

Passengers inside the Mumbai International Airport in India
Passengers inside the Mumbai International Airport in India
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Mumbai International Airport

With students being suppressed from their freedom of worship, concerns have been raised about whether it is safe for foreign students in the academic institution. 

Reports indicate that following the attack, instead of receiving protection, more international students have been told to vacate the hostels.

The university has been criticised for using documentation-related reasons to kick out international students from the university. 

Already, from Africa, Gambia has sent a delegation to the university to seek more information about the alleged victimisation of foreign students.

No Kenyan delegation was reported to have made a similar move despite having its citizens in the school. 

Other foreign students in the institution come from Nigeria, Ghana, Malawi, Tanzania, Uganda, Angola, Mali, Mozambique, Botswana, and Kenya.

The institution also has a sizeable number of students from neighbouring Asian countries including; Sri Lanka, Nepal, Vietnam, Mauritius, Bangladesh, and Indonesia. 

In total, there are over 300 international students at the institution who are now fearing for their safety. 

President William Ruto during a presser alongside Indian President Narendra Modi on December 5, 2023.
President William Ruto during a presser alongside Indian President Narendra Modi on December 5, 2023.
PCS