Kyrgyzstan: India and Pakistan direct students to stay indoors amidst mob violence in Bishkek

India and Pakistan on May 18, advised students in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan to stay indoors after mob violence targeting international students erupted. 

The Embassy of India in Kyrgyzstan stated that the "situation is presently calm", while Pakistan's mission said that a few hostels of medical universities in Bishkek housing students from India, Bangladesh and Pakistan have been attacked.

Taking to X, the Indian mission in Bishkek wrote, “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." 

As per data from the Ministry of External Affairs, some 14,500 Indian students reside in Kyrgyzstan.

Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also took to X to retweet the Embassy post and wrote, “Monitoring the welfare of Indian students in Bishkek. Situation is reportedly calm now."

Pakistan's Embassy in Bishkek also issued an advisory saying that the matter escalated after videos of a fight between Kyrgyz and Egyptian students on May 13 went viral online on Friday. It added, “A few hostels of medical universities in Bishkek and private residences of international students, including Pakistanis, have been attacked. The hostels are inhabited by students from India, Pakistan and Bangladesh.”

"There have been reports of light injuries to a number of students from Pakistan. Despite social media posts about the alleged death and rape of Pakistani students, so far, we have not received any confirmed reports."

The Embassy further said that Pakistani students have been asked to "stay indoors until the situation returns to normal", adding that the violence appeared to be directed against all foreign students, and not just Pakistanis.

Meanwhile, Pakistan's Ambassador to Kyrgyzstan, Hasan Zaigham said authorities were liaising with local law enforcement in Bishkek to ensure the safety of students.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also expressed "deep concerns" over the situation in Bishkek, saying he has directed the country's envoy in Bishkek to "provide all necessary help and assistance" to the students.

The opposition Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) party posted several videos and tweeted, "Extremely disturbing reports coming in from Kyrgyzstan, where thousands of Pakistani students are under attack, with reports of violence and deaths.”

The Kyrgyzstan government is yet to officially comment on the situation.