The Indian mission in Kyrgyzstan has issued a warning to its nationals to remain indoors as reports of large-scale mob violence targeting international students have surfaced in the central Asian country. The situation escalated following a clash between locals and international students at a hostel in Bishkek on May 13.
Protesters gathered in significant numbers, blocking traffic and vandalizing buildings in the aftermath of the incident. Security forces have made several arrests in response to the violence. Kyrgyzstan is a popular destination for education, particularly in the medical field, attracting a substantial number of students from the Indian subcontinent, including India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.
As of April 2023, data from various medical universities in Kyrgyzstan indicates that approximately 9,500 students from various countries are currently pursuing their studies there. The Pakistan embassy in Bishkek has also issued an advisory for international students, including Pakistanis, amidst the reports of violence against foreign students in the city.
The embassy has advised Pakistani students to stay indoors until the situation stabilizes. While there have been reports of minor injuries to Pakistani students, there have been no confirmed reports of deaths or rapes. The violence appears to be targeting all foreign students and is not specific to Pakistanis, according to the statement released by the embassy. The situation remains tense, and students are urged to exercise caution and follow the instructions provided by the respective embassies.