Hundreds of students from Pakistan and other Asian nations are leaving Kyrgyzstan in the aftermath of a mob attack on their hostels. The incident occurred in the early hours of May 17 when a group of Kyrgyz youths stormed a hostel in the capital city of Bishkek, targeting foreign students following an altercation between locals and foreigners. Despite the presence of the police, they were unable to stop the violence.
According to accounts from students, the assailants subjected several students, including women, to physical assault despite their efforts to fortify entrances and seek refuge. This has left many students traumatized, with some calling the aftermath of the violence a “nightmare.”
Kyrgyzstan’s medical schools have been popular among prospective doctors from countries like India, Pakistan, and other Asian and Arab nations due to affordable tuition and living expenses. However, the recent attack has prompted India and Pakistan to advise their students in Bishkek to stay indoors.
The government of Pakistan has arranged extra flights leaving daily from Bishkek to ensure the safety of their students. The violence is believed to have stemmed from tensions over the presence of migrants in Kyrgyzstan, particularly from South Asia. The Kyrgyz Ministry of Internal Affairs is increasing monitoring and penalties for foreigners who violate immigration laws.
Police have detained more than a dozen suspected attackers in connection with the mob violence. The situation remains tense, with authorities working to ensure the safety of all foreign students in Kyrgyzstan.