‘Stay Indoors’: Indian Mission In Kyrgyzstan Issues Advisory For Students Amid Mob Violence, Activates Helpline Number
While the Embassy of India in Kyrgyzstan said the "situation is presently calm", Pakistan's mission said that a few hostels of medical universities in Bishkek, where students from India, Bangladesh and Pakistan reside, have been attacked.
The Indian mission in Kyrgyzstan has advised its nationals to stay indoors “for the moment” amid reports of large-scale mob violence against international students in the country. “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,” India in Kyrgyz Republic said in a post on X. According to data from the Ministry of External Affairs, some 14,500 Indian students reside in Kyrgyzstan.
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.
— India in Kyrgyz Republic (@IndiaInKyrgyz) May 18, 2024
Foreign Minister S Jaishankar also advised students to stay in regular touch with the embassy. “Monitoring the welfare of Indian students in Bishkek. Situation is reportedly calm now. Strongly advise students to stay in regular touch with the Embassy,” Jaishankar said.
While the Embassy of India in Kyrgyzstan said the “situation is presently calm”, Pakistan’s mission said that a few hostels of medical universities in Bishkek, where students from India, Bangladesh and Pakistan reside, have been attacked amid the violence.
In an advisory posted on social media, Pakistan’s Embassy in Bishkek said that the matter escalated after videos of a fight between Kyrgyz and Egyptian students on May 13 went viral online on Friday.
While some posts on social media claimed that three Pakistani students were killed in the attack, the government has said that they have not received a report of any death yet.
According to the Associated Press of Pakistan, several Pakistani students studying in Bishkek faced mob violence late Friday night, sustaining injuries. However, no deaths have been confirmed. The violence followed a brawl between foreign students, including Pakistanis, and Egyptian nationals.
Pakistani embassy in Kyrgyzstan Shame on you. Pakistani students are getting murdered and they are doing nothing.#Kyrgyzstan #ImranKhan pic.twitter.com/UFgvvB4SXn
— Bilal Khan (@bilal_khan126) May 17, 2024
While hostels of medical universities and private residences were targeted, the embassy stated no deaths or rapes of Pakistani students had been confirmed. Hasan Zaigham, Pakistan’s Ambassador in the country advised Pakistani students to remain indoors and assured cooperation with local authorities for their safety.
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also expressed concern over the attacks and said that he has directed Pakistan’s Ambassador to provide all necessary assistance.
“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,” he said on X.
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.
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) May 18, 2024
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