In the wake of escalating mob violence targeting international students in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, both India and Pakistan have advised their students to remain indoors. The unrest reportedly began after a viral video of a fight between Kyrgyz and Egyptian students on May 13 ignited tensions.
We are in touch with our students. The situation is presently calm but students are advised to stay indoors for the moment and get in touch with the Embassy in case of any issue. Our 24×7 contact number is 0555710041.
— India in Kyrgyz Republic (@IndiaInKyrgyz) May 18, 2024
The Indian Embassy in Kyrgyzstan assured that the “situation is presently calm” but recommended that students stay inside and contact the embassy if needed. “We are in touch with our students. The situation is presently calm, but students are advised to stay indoors for the moment and get in touch with the Embassy in case of any issue. Our 24/7 contact number is 0555710041,” the embassy tweeted. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, there are approximately 14,500 Indian students in Kyrgyzstan.
Similarly, Pakistan’s Embassy in Bishkek highlighted that several hostels of medical universities, housing students from India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, had been attacked. The embassy posted on social media, “A few hostels of medical universities in Bishkek and private residences of international students, including Pakistanis, have been attacked. The hostels are inhabited by students from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.”
The Pakistani mission also reported minor injuries among some Pakistani students but dispelled rumors circulating on social media about deaths and assaults. “Despite social media posts about the alleged death and rape of Pakistani students, so far, we have not received any confirmed reports.”
In a bid to ensure student safety, the Pakistani Embassy advised students to “stay indoors until the situation returns to normal,” noting that the violence seemed to be indiscriminately targeting all foreign students. Pakistan has approximately 10,000 students in Kyrgyzstan.
Pakistan’s Ambassador to Kyrgyzstan, Hasan Zaigham, stated that they are coordinating with local law enforcement to safeguard the students. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has also expressed “deep concerns” and instructed the country’s envoy in Bishkek to “provide all necessary help and assistance” to the students.
Additionally, new footage has surfaced showing a mob dragging and assaulting an individual, though the identity of the person has not been officially confirmed.
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