India Urges Citizens in Kyrgyzstan to Stay Indoors Amid Attacks on Foreign Students
New Delhi: India has advised its citizens in Kyrgyzstan to remain indoors following attacks on foreign students, resulting in injuries to several Pakistani students. The Indian Consulate issued the advisory, urging students to contact the Embassy if needed and provided a 24×7 contact number: 0555710041. Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar also emphasized the importance of students staying in regular touch with the embassy, noting the current calm but advising caution.
Reports on social media suggested that three Pakistani students were killed, but the government has not confirmed any fatalities. The violence reportedly escalated after a viral video showed a fight between Kyrgyz and Egyptian students on May 13. The mob targeted medical university hostels in Bishkek, housing students from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. No Indian students were reported injured.
The Pakistan embassy confirmed attacks on hostels and private residences of international students, resulting in minor injuries to several Pakistani students. Despite alarming social media posts, no confirmed reports of deaths or assaults have been received. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed concern and directed the Pakistan Ambassador to provide necessary assistance.
The incident highlights underlying tensions over the presence of South Asian migrants in Kyrgyzstan. Approximately 15,000 Indian students are estimated to be in Kyrgyzstan, though the exact number in Bishkek is unclear. The situation continues to be monitored closely by both Indian and Pakistani authorities.
