As mob violence against international students in Bishkek persists, the Indian Embassy in Kyrgyzstan has advised Indian students to remain indoors and to contact the embassy. The embassy has also provided a helpline number for students.
“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,” stated the Indian embassy in Kyrgyzstan.
Several incidents of mob violence targeting foreign students in Bishkek have been reported since last evening. The Pakistan embassy in Kyrgyzstan mentioned in a social media post that tensions escalated on Friday. “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,” the Pakistan embassy explained.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar highlighted that the situation is reportedly calm now and emphasized the ongoing monitoring of the welfare of Indian students in Bishkek. “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.
Additionally, the Pakistan embassy reported that some hospitals of medical universities and private residences of international students in Kyrgyzstan’s capital have been attacked. “The hostels are inhabited by students from India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. There have been reports of light injuries to a number of students from Pakistan,” the embassy noted. “So far, the violence appears to be directed against all foreign students and not specific to Pakistanis,” it stressed.
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep concern over the situation and has instructed Pakistan’s Ambassador to provide necessary assistance. “Deeply concerned over the situation of Pakistani students in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. I have directed Pakistan’s Ambassador to provide all necessary help and assistance. My office is also in touch with the Embassy and constantly monitoring the situation,” he shared on X.
Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also voiced his concerns about the ongoing situation in Kyrgyzstan. “The reports of mob attacks on students in the Kyrgyz Republic are extremely concerning. We have established contact with the Kyrgyz authorities to ensure protection of Pakistani students. I have instructed our Ambassador to Kyrgyzstan to fully facilitate them,” he said in a post shared on X.