Mob violence in Kyrgyzstan: Indian students advised to ‘stay indoors’ amid attacks; five injured

The Indian Embassy in the capital city of Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan has asked Indian students to “stay indoors,” on Saturday (May 18) amid reports of mob violence which is reportedly targeting international students. Meanwhile,Pakistan’s Kyrgyzstan consulate has denied reports ofalleged death and rape of Pakistani students as claims were making rounds on social media.

India is ‘monitoring’ the situation

“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,” said the Embassy of India in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic, in a post on X.

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The warning comes amid reports that a few hostels of medical universities in Bishkek, where students from India, Bangladesh and Pakistan are staying have been attacked amid the violence.

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In response to the post, External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr S Jaishankar 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.”

There are reportedly around15,000 Indian students are estimated to be in Kyrgyzstan.

Violence against students in Kyrgyzstan

According to the Pakistan Embassy in the Central Asian country, 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. There have been reports of light injuries to several students from Pakistan,” said Pakistan’s Kyrgyzstan consulate in a post on X.

It added, “Despite social media posts about alleged death and rape of Pakistani students, so far, we have not received any confirmed report.”

Multiple reports on social media have claimed that at least three Pakistani students have been killed amid the violence, but it was not immediately confirmed by officials.

However, a statement by Pakistan’s foreign ministry indicates that at least five students have been injured.

At least five Pakistanis injured

In a statement, on Saturday, Pakistan’s foreign ministry confirmed that there were “mob riots” in the Kyrghyz Republic and said that they are in contact with the Central Asian country’s government.

“The Kyrghyz authorities have expressed regret at the incidents of violence against foreign nationals including Pakistanis in Bishkek last night. They have also pledged to hold an inquiry and punish the perpetrators,” said Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement.

Pakistan’s embassy in the country has opened emergency helplines and is responding to queries of students and their families, while ambassador to the Kyrgyz Republic Hassan Ali Zaigham has been in close contact with senior Kyrgyz authorities.

“According to the Kyrgyz Health Ministry, four Pakistanis were provided first aid and discharged while one is under treatment for jaw injury,” said the Pakistan foreign ministry.

Pakistan foreign ministry summons diplomat

Pakistan’s foreign ministry also said that the Charge d’affaires of the Kyrgyz Embassy Melis Moldaliev was called to the Foreign Office for a “demarche” by Director General Aizaz Khan.

“He was conveyed the deep concerns of the Government of Pakistan about the reports of last night’s incidents against Pakistani students studying in the Kyrgyz Republic.”

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“It was impressed on the Kyrgyz Charge d'affaires that the Kyrgyz government should take all possible measures to ensure the safety and security of Pakistani students and citizens residing in the Kyrgyz Republic,” the statement added.

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed his concern over the situation in Bishkek and said Islamabad is “constantly monitoring the situation”.

“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,” said the Pakistan PM, in a post on X.

'Situation under control'

"From the moment information about the incident was received, law enforcement agencies of the Kyrgyz Republic took prompt measures to detain persons involved in the event, both foreign and citizens of theKyrgyz Republic," said theMinistry of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic, in a statement.

However, local officials are yet to specify how many people were detained. It added, "The situation was completely under the control of the security forces. The safety of citizens and public order was ensured."

(With inputs from agencies)