The Indian government issued an advisory as a response to the increasing violence that was the target of foreign students in Kyrgyzstan urging its citizens to remain indoors. The warning came after a series of mob attacks took place in Bishkek, the capital, where many of the Pakistani students had been reported injured.
Monitoring the welfare of Indian students in Bishkek. Situation is reportedly calm now. Strongly advise students to stay in regular touch with the Embassy. https://t.co/xjwjFotfeR
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (Modi Ka Parivar) (@DrSJaishankar) May 18, 2024
By the post published on the social media platform, X (formerly known as Twitter), the Indian Consulate in Kyrgyzstan informs that the events are under control. They particularly told the Indian students that they should stay indoors and get in touch with the embassy in case there are difficulties. The Consulate has also provided a 24×7 contact number for emergencies: 0555710041. The Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishanker restated this warning and stressed the necessity for the students to stay in contact with the embassy to make sure their well-being is ensured.
An outbreak of violence followed the publication of the videos of a fight between the Kyrgyz and Egyptian students on May 13, and thus the situation was exacerbated further. There were instances where the mob would attack hostels for students from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. Regardless of the injuries of Pakistani students, the luckiest thing is that no Indian students are hurt yet.
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
In contrast to some messages circulating on social media with the claim of student deaths among the Pakistanis, no death has been confirmed by the authorities. The Pakistan Embassy in Kyrgyzstan has had an active role in reporting that the residences of international students, and hostels have been assaulted. The embassy has indicated light injuries amongst a few Pakistani students and no confirmed deaths or worst attacks.
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.
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) May 18, 2024
Shehbaz Sharif, the Pakistani Prime Minister, has voiced his worry over the whole issue. He has directed the Pakistani Ambassador in Kyrgyzstan to render all the required help to the students and has promised a close follow-up of the situation in his office.
This upheaval underscores existing issues on foreign students and migrants which is being an international student in Kyrgyzstan. In fact, Bishkek has a considerable number of South Asian students with multiple of them pursuing medical courses at local universities. It is estimated that there are 15 thousand Indian students, although the exact figure of their current number of people, living in Bishkek, is unknown.
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