Indian, Pakistani, and subcontinent communities are left in shock after international students including girls were attacked by locals in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Both Indian and Pakistani consulate have issued an advisory cautioning students to stay indoors. There are multiple Bishkek videos available on social media in which locals can be seen thrashing Indian, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepalese students. However, the Kyrgyzstan government has assured India and subcontinent countries that everything is under their control. Still, multiple Pakistani students are sharing their videos on X alleging that Kyrgyzstan locals are hunting international students. Now, the question arises as to why Kyrgyzstan locals are attacked international students. Below is what we know so far-
Why Bishkek locals are attacking Indian & Pakistani students?
The answer is due to a misunderstanding. A Pakistani student named Alia Shoaib shared her video in which she revealed, "I belong to Multan, Pakistan. I am an international medical student. I am studying MBBS in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. I took admission in a university here. There was a high-voltage drama outside the university gate by the locals. Many people are asking about Bishkek violence reason. A few people from Egypt & Arab fought with locals. A local got injured in this. After that the video went viral. The viral video angered the locals. The locals took it on their ego as how international students attack locals. So, the locals are hunting international students irrespective of their nationality and mercilessly beating them."
For the unversed, Indian and Pakistani students were beaten up late at night (May 17) in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. Local students entered the hostels where Indian, Pakistani, and Bangladeshi students were staying. According to Kyrgyzstan's media website, 29 students were injured in the violence.
The Ministry of foreign affairs of Kyrgyzstan said that the situation in Bishkek is under control. "In connection with the incident that occurred on the night of May 18 in Bishkek with the participation of foreign citizens, the Ministry reports the following. From the moment information about the incident was received, law enforcement agencies of the Kyrgyz Republic took prompt measures to detain persons involved in the event, both foreign citizens and citizens of the Kyrgyz Republic," the ministry said in a statement.
It is pertinent to mention here that Kyrgyzstan is a popular destination for education, especially in the medical field. The country attracts a large number of students from the Indian subcontinent, including India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. About 12 thousand Pakistani and 15 thousand Indian students are pursuing different courses in Kyrgyzstan. Pakistani students have demanded from the government that they should be taken back to the country.
India Consulate in Kyrgystan on X 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."
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic's Statement Bishkek violance
In connection with the incident that occurred on the night of May 18, 2024 in Bishkek with the participation of foreign citizens, the Ministry reports the following. From the moment information about the incident was received, law enforcement agencies of the Kyrgyz Republic took prompt measures to detain persons involved in the event, both foreign citizens and citizens of the Kyrgyz Republic.
The situation was completely under the control of the security forces. The safety of citizens and public order were ensured. There are no seriously injured people among those involved in the incident. About 15 citizens applied to medical institutions for examination.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republid did not receive any messages regarding injured foreign citizens. At the same time, the Ministry calls on representatives of the media and foreign diplomatic missions not to disseminate false and unverified information.