Kyrgyzstan Hostel Attack: Reason Behind Indian And Pakistani Students Targeted

Massive mob violence has been witnessed in Kyrgyzstan's capital, Bishkek, over the last few days, with foreign students, including those from India and Pakistan, facing threats from locals, according to media reports. At least 29 people were injured in the violence.

The incident has led to advisories being issued by the Indian and Pakistani embassies for their nationals staying in Bishkek. Meanwhile, the situation in Bishkek has been assumed to be under control by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan.

Photo Credit: X-@Incognito_qfs

Kyrgyzstan Hostel Attack And Its Reasons

The violence in Bishkek reportedly erupted following a brawl at a hostel between locals and foreign students, including Pakistanis and Egyptians, as per local reports. Videos of the brawl, which reportedly occurred on May 13, went viral on social media, leading to heightened tensions in the country, as reported by Hindustan Times.

The locals perceived the brawl as a clear breach of the hospitality extended to the foreign students, which prompted protests on May 17, accusing Kyrgyz officials of showing "lenient treatment" towards the foreigners involved in the violence. Several demonstrators also blocked traffic and vandalized buildings during the violence.

In response to the violence, Indian students in Bishkek were advised to remain indoors by India on Saturday. The Indian embassy in Bishkek stated that they are in touch with the students and that the situation is presently calm, but students are advised to stay indoors and contact the embassy in case of any issues.

External affairs minister S Jaishankar also informed on X, formerly known as Twitter, that they are monitoring the welfare of Indian students in Bishkek, adding that the situation is reportedly calm. There were no immediate reports of Indian nationals being injured in the violence.

The Pakistani embassy in Bishkek also issued an advisory for its students, asking them to stay indoors. Minor injuries to Pakistani students have been reported, according to the embassy's statement, but there are no confirmed reports of deaths or rapes.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif sent his deputy and foreign minister Ishaq Dar and federal minister Amir Muqam to Bishkek on Sunday to ensure assistance and support to the Pakistani students stranded amid the unrest. Additionally, a special flight carrying 180 Pakistani students landed at Lahore's Allama Iqbal International Airport on Saturday from Bishkek, as per media reports.

The Kyrgyz foreign ministry stated on Saturday that the situation in Bishkek is calm and under full control, noting that "destructive forces" are deliberately disseminating untrue and false information about the situation.

"All necessary measures have been taken to ensure security and maintain peace and stability. Therefore, the ministry asks the representatives of mass media, the blogger community, as well as foreign colleagues to be guided only by the official and confirmed information of the competent bodies," it said.