Indian Students in Kyrgyzstan Advised to Stay Indoors Amid Mob Attacks

The violence erupted after videos of a fight between local Kyrgyz and Egyptian students on May 13 went viral online on Friday

Digital Desk: The Indian government has urged citizens in Kyrgyzstan to stay indoors following mob attacks on foreign students, particularly those from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. The advisory comes after several Pakistani students were injured in the violence that targeted hostels of medical universities in the capital city of Bishkek.

"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," the Indian Consulate said on X (formerly Twitter).

Foreign Minister S Jaishankar also advised students to stay in regular touch with the embassy, stating, "Monitoring the welfare of Indian students in Bishkek. Situation is reportedly calm now. Strongly advise students to stay in regular touch with the Embassy."

The violence erupted after videos of a fight between local Kyrgyz and Egyptian students on May 13 went viral online on Friday. A mob then targeted hostels inhabited by students from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.

There have been reports on social media that three Pakistani students have died in the attacks, neither the Indian nor the Pakistani governments have verified any casualties to date.

Pakistan's Kyrgyzstan consulate says, "So far, a few hostels of medical universities in Bishkek and private residences of international students including Pakistanis have been attacked. There have been reports of light injuries to several students from Pakistan."

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed concern over the situation and directed Pakistan's Ambassador to provide all necessary assistance.

The incident highlights tensions over the presence of migrants in Kyrgyzstan, with an estimated 15,000 Indian students in the country as of 2022.