Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, is at the center of a growing concern as international students face violence from mobs, prompting advisories from India and Pakistan urging students to remain indoors.
Following recent unrest in Bishkek, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic denounced the spread of false information about the situation, particularly targeting students from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. The city has been engulfed in chaos as violent mobs have targeted dormitories housing foreign students, leading to a tense atmosphere.
The violence erupted after a confrontation between local residents and foreign students, reportedly including individuals from Pakistan and Egypt, at a dormitory. The incident, captured on video and shared widely on social media, escalated tensions in the community and set off a series of targeted attacks on international students.
Despite pleas for help, international students, especially those from Pakistan and India, faced attacks by angry mobs, resulting in injuries and distress. In response, the embassies of Pakistan and India have issued advisories to their students, emphasizing the importance of safety and caution during these tumultuous times.
Local authorities in Kyrgyzstan have taken action, detaining individuals suspected of involvement in the violence. Reports indicate that tensions have been brewing over alleged preferential treatment of foreign students, leading to public outcry and demonstrations in the streets.
The Pakistani Embassy in Bishkek has urged its students to remain indoors until the situation stabilizes, reassuring them that no deaths have been reported. Despite rumors circulating on social media, officials have not confirmed any fatalities or cases of assault on Pakistani students.
Amidst the escalating crisis, S Jaishankar, the minister of external affairs, has called for calm and advised students to stay indoors for their safety. As the situation unfolds in Bishkek, maintaining open communication with the embassies and following safety precautions are essential for the well-being of international students in the region.