In recent days, foreign students in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, have faced significant threats amid ongoing mob violence, particularly targeting students from South Asia. This unrest has led to advisories from both Indian and Pakistani authorities urging their nationals to stay indoors for their safety.
Incident Trigger
The violence was sparked on May 13 between local Kyrgyz students and foreign students, primarily from Pakistan and Egypt. The incident, which was captured on video and went viral on social media, was perceived by locals as a serious breach of hospitality. This prompted a large number of Kyrgyz citizens to protest on May 17, accusing authorities of being too lenient towards the foreign students involved in the brawl.
Mob Violence
Following these protests, mobs began targeting hostels and residences housing international students from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. This led to several attacks, particularly on medical university hostels, causing widespread fear among the foreign student community in Bishkek.
Response from Indian Authorities
In response to the escalating situation, the Indian Embassy in Kyrgyzstan issued an advisory on May 18, urging Indian students to remain indoors and stay in close contact with the embassy. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also took to social media, advising students to follow the embassy’s guidance and emphasizing that the situation was reportedly calm but required vigilance. The embassy assured that it was closely monitoring the situation and provided a 24/7 contact number for emergencies.
Pakistani Authorities’ Actions
Similarly, Pakistani authorities expressed deep concern over the safety of their students in Kyrgyzstan. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar directed their ambassador to provide all necessary assistance to Pakistani nationals. The Pakistani foreign ministry also summoned the Kyrgyz ambassador in Islamabad to lodge a formal protest and demand enhanced security for their students.
Kyrgyz Government’s Assurance
The Kyrgyz government has repeatedly stressed that the situation is under control. They reported that law enforcement agencies had detained both local and foreign individuals involved in the initial altercation. According to the Kyrgyz Ministry of Foreign Affairs, around 15 locals sought medical check-ups following the violence, but no serious injuries or fatalities were reported among foreign students.
The government urged media outlets and foreign diplomatic missions to avoid spreading unverified information, emphasizing that measures had been taken to ensure public safety and maintain order. They also cautioned against the dissemination of false information, particularly pointing to reports originating from Pakistan.
Current Situation
As of now, the situation in Bishkek is described as calm. Both the Indian and Pakistani embassies continue to stay in close contact with their nationals, providing support and issuing safety guidelines. The Kyrgyz authorities have increased security measures in areas housing foreign students to prevent further incidents.
Advisory for Students
Foreign students in Bishkek, especially those from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, are advised to remain indoors and avoid unnecessary travel. They should stay in regular communication with their respective embassies and report any concerns immediately. The Indian Embassy has reiterated its commitment to the safety of its students and provided a helpline for assistance.
The recent violence in Bishkek underscores the volatile nature of the situation for international students in Kyrgyzstan. Continuous vigilance and adherence to embassy advisories are crucial for ensuring their safety. Both Indian and Pakistani authorities remain proactive in addressing their citizens’ concerns, working closely with Kyrgyz officials to maintain stability and security.