Bishkek mob violence: Why India and Pakistani students are being attacked in Kyrgyzstan? Explained
Kyrgyzstan is a favored destination for education, particularly in the medical field, attracting numerous students from the Indian subcontinent, including India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. As of April 2023, data from various medical universities in Kyrgyzstan shows that around 9,500 students are currently pursuing their studies there, a government report said as quoted by Hindustan Times. The Pakistan embassy mentioned that the situation intensified after videos of a fight between Kyrgyz and Egyptian students on May 13 went viral online on Friday.
The mob targeted hostels of medical universities in Bishkek, where students from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh reside. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday stated that the Indian government is monitoring the welfare of Indians students in Bishkek amid mob violence targeting international students erupted Kyrgyzstan's capital city. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Jaishankar wrote, “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 students have also been advised to “stay indoors". Currently, the Indian embassy in Kyrgyz Republic is 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 said. Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif voiced "deep concerns" about the situation in Kyrgyzstan's Bishkek and stated that he has instructed the country's envoy there to "provide all necessary help and assistance" to the students.
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