The embassies of India and Pakistan in Kyrgyzstan have advised its nationals to “stay indoors” following reports of violent mob targeting foreign students in the country. The Indian embassy has also set up a 24/7 helpline number.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar they are monitoring the situation in Bishkek and it is calm at the moment. “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 Indian embassy in Kyrgyzstan tweeted, “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.”
According to local reports, a clash occurred between foreign students and locals in Bishkek at a hostel earlier this week. Kyrgyzstan’s ministry of internal affairs said on Saturday that the situation is stable and the entire region is under the control of police officers. “All the participants of the rally dispersed, among the citizens of the Kyrgyz Republic and foreign citizens, there were no citizens killed or injured during the rally,” it said.
Meanwhile, Pakistan has also advised its nationals to stay indoors until the situation normalises. Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed concern over the situation in Kyrgyzstan and added his office is constantly in touch with the embassy in the country.
Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar tweeted, “The reports of mob attacks on students in the Kyrgyz Republic are extremely concerning. We have established contact with the Kyrgyz authorities to ensure protection of Pakistani students. I have instructed our Ambassador to Kyrgyzstan to fully facilitate them.”
The Pakistani embassy in a statement said, “There have been a number of incidents of mob violence against foreign students in Bishkek since last evening. According to the Kyrgyz press, the matter boiled over yesterday due to sharing online of videos of a fight between Kyrgyz students and medical students from Egypt on May 13.” It added, “Despite social media posts about alleged death and rape of Pakistani students, so far, we have not received any confirmed report.”