'Situation Calm In Bishkek': Kyrgyzstan Slams Rumour-Mongering Over Mob Violence

Kyrgyzstan's Foreign Ministry denies rumors of unrest in Bishkek, emphasising calm and control. Incidents of violence against foreign students, including those from Pakistan, have been reported in Bishkek, sparking concerns.

Hostels with international students from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh were attacked by a mob in Kyrgyzstan's Bishkek. ( Image Source :X: @warisjokhio98, @bilal_khan126 )

Kyrgyzstan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reaffirmed that the situation in Bishkek remains calm and well-managed, dispelling rumours of unrest circulating in foreign media, particularly in Pakistan. The Ministry assured that necessary measures are in place to ensure security and uphold peace and stability in the city. In a statement, the Ministry highlighted, "The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic informs that destructive forces are deliberately disseminating untrue and false information about the situation in the Kyrgyz Republic in foreign mass media and social networks, especially in the territory of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan."

"The situation in the city of Bishkek of the Kyrgyz Republic is calm and under full control, and all necessary measures have been taken to ensure security, maintain peace and stability," it added.

The Ministry urged media outlets and bloggers to rely solely on official and verified information provided by competent authorities in Kyrgyzstan. Emphasising the importance of responsible reporting, they called for the dissemination of accurate information to prevent the spread of misinformation.

India, Pakistan Issue Advisory To Students Over Mob Violence In Bishkek

In a Facebook post, Pakistan Embassy said a few hostels of medical universities in Bishkek and private residences of international students from India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan have been attacked. 

Indian students were cautioned by the Indian Embassy in Kyrgyzstan to stay indoors and maintain contact with the embassy for assistance if needed. The embassy shared a helpline contact number for the students' convenience.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar assured that the welfare of Indian students in Bishkek is being closely monitored, urging them to stay in touch with the embassy. "Monitoring the welfare of Indian students in Bishkek. Situation is reportedly calm now. Strongly advise students to stay in regular touch with the Embassy," he emphasised.

Monitoring the welfare of Indian students in Bishkek. Situation is reportedly calm now. Strongly advise students to stay in regular touch with the Embassy. https://t.co/xjwjFotfeR

— Dr. S. Jaishankar (Modi Ka Parivar) (@DrSJaishankar) May 18, 2024

The Pakistan embassy in Kyrgyzstan also confirmed the occurrences of mob violence and advised students to remain indoors for their safety.

"There have been a number of incidents of mob violence against foreign students in Bishkek since last evening," stated the Pakistan embassy, adding that the situation escalated due to the circulation of videos depicting altercations between local and international students.

Reports indicated that hospitals affiliated with medical universities in Bishkek and private residences of international students were targeted in the violence. The Pakistan embassy highlighted that the attacks seemed to target all foreign students, not just those from Pakistan.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed concern over the situation and directed the Pakistani Ambassador to provide necessary assistance to affected students. "Deeply concerned over the situation of Pakistani students in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. I have directed Pakistan's Ambassador to provide all necessary help and assistance," he stated, as quoted by news agency ANI.

Responding to the developments, Pakistan's Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesperson, Mumtaz Baloch, revealed that a demarche had been issued to Kyrgyzstan, urging them to ensure the safety of Pakistani citizens residing in the country.

"At the instructions of DPM @MIshaqDar50 a demarche has been made with the Kyrgyz Republic. They have been impressed to take all possible measures to ensure the safety and security of Pakistani students and citizens residing in the Kyrgyz Republic," stated Mumtaz Baloch, as per ANI.