Bishkek Mob Attack: The Reasons Behind Attacks On Indian And Pakistani Students In Kyrgyzstan

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Large numbers of protesters amassed in Kyrgyzstan's capital city, Bishkek, after a clash on May 13 between locals and international students at a hostel, according to local media reports.

Traffic was obstructed and buildings were vandalized by some demonstrators, leading to several arrests by security forces.

Photo Credit: PTI

Bishkek Mob Attack On Indian and Pakistani Students; Here's Why

It is noteworthy that Kyrgyzstan is a favoured destination for education, particularly in the medical field, attracting numerous students from the Indian subcontinent, including India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.

As of April 2023, around 9,500 students are currently pursuing their studies in Kyrgyzstan, according to data from various medical universities, as quoted in a government report by the Hindustan Times.

The situation was mentioned to have intensified by the Pakistan embassy after videos of a fight between Kyrgyz and Egyptian students on May 13 went viral online on Friday. The hostels of medical universities in Bishkek, where students from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh reside, were targeted by the mob.

Indian Students in Kyrgyzstan: Indian Government Monitoring Welfare Amid Violence

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stated on Saturday that the welfare of Indian students in Bishkek is being monitored by the Indian government amid mob violence targeting international students in Kyrgyzstan's capital city.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), it was written by Jaishankar, "The welfare of Indian students in Bishkek is being monitored. The situation is reportedly calm now. Students are strongly advised to stay in regular touch with the Embassy."

The students have also been advised to "stay indoors." The Indian embassy in the Kyrgyz Republic is currently in contact with the 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," it was stated.

Pakistani Students in Bishkek: Prime Minister Sharif Expresses Concerns Amid Violence

Deep concerns have been voiced by Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif about the situation in Kyrgyzstan's Bishkek, with instructions given to the country's envoy to provide all necessary help and assistance to the students.

"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," Sharif wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

Some social media posts have claimed that three Pakistani students were killed in the attack, but the government has stated that no reports of fatalities have been received.

"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. There have been reports of light injuries to several students from Pakistan," stated the Pakistan Kyrgyzstan consulate in a post on X.

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