India has advised its citizens in Kyrgyzstan to stay indoors following attacks on foreign students, which left several Pakistani students injured. The advisory came after mob violence erupted in student hostels, prompting the Indian Consulate to issue a statement via social media.
“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 Consulate stated on X (formerly Twitter).
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
Foreign Minister S Jaishankar also urged Indian students to maintain regular contact 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.
Despite social media rumours claiming three Pakistani students were killed in the violence, official reports have not confirmed any deaths. The Pakistan embassy indicated that the conflict escalated after videos of a fight between Kyrgyz and Egyptian students on May 13 went viral, leading to the mob attacks.
The violence targeted medical university hostels in Bishkek, housing students from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. While no Indian students were reported injured, several Pakistani students sustained light injuries.
The Pakistan Consulate in Kyrgyzstan confirmed the attacks, stating, “So far, 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.”
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep concern over the attacks 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 posted on X.
The incident highlights underlying tensions regarding the presence of South Asian migrants in Kyrgyzstan. The Indian student population in the country is estimated to be around 15,000, although the exact number in Bishkek is unknown.
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