mob violence – Central News Hub

Indian Students in Kyrgyzstan Advised To Stay Indoors Amid Mob Violence

There have been several incidents of mob violence against foreign students in Bishkek since last evening

As the mob violence against international students in Bishkek continues, the Indian Embassy in Kyrgyzstan advised the Indian students to stay indoors and to get in touch with the Indian embassy.

The Indian embassy also shared a helpline contact number for the students.

“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,” the Indian embassy in Kyrgyz.

Reportedly, there have been several incidents of mob violence against foreign students in Bishkek since last evening, the Pakistan embassy in Kyrgyzstan said in a social media post, adding that the situation heated up on Friday.

“There have been a number of incidents of mob violence against foreign students in Bishkek since last evening. According to the Kyrgyz press, the matter boiled over yesterday due to sharing online of videos of a fight between Kyrgyz students and medical students from Egypt on May 13,” the Pakistan embassy stated.

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.
— India in Kyrgyz Republic (@IndiaInKyrgyz) May 18, 2024

Highlighting that the situation is reportedly calm now, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday, emphasised that they are monitoring the welfare of Indian students in Bishkek.

“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 said.

Moreover, a few hospitals of medical universities in Kyrgyz’s capital and private residences of international students have been attacked, the Pakistan embassy said.

“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,” it added.

“So far, the violence appears to be directed against all foreign students and not specific to Pakistanis,” the Pakistan embassy stressed.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif shared a post on X, highlighting that they have directed directed Pakistan’s Ambassador to provide all necessary help and assistance.

“Deeply concerned over the situation of Pakistani students in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. I have directed Pakistan’s Ambassador to provide all necessary help and assistance. My office is also in touch with the Embassy and constantly monitoring the situation,” Shehbaz Sharif said.

Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Saturday expressed concerns about the ongoing situation in the Kyrgyz Republic.

“The reports of mob attacks on students in the Kyrgyz Republic are extremely concerning. We have established contact with the Kyrgyz authorities to ensure protection of Pakistani students. I have instructed our Ambassador to Kyrgyzstan to fully facilitate them,” he said in a post shared on X. (ANI)

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‘A Day of Shame for Pakistan’

Sri Lanka PM Mahinda Rajapaksa demanded justice for Priyantha Kumara, who had been working as a manager in Sialkot, was tortured to death and his body was set on fire by a mob over allegations of “blasphemy” on December 3. …reports Asian Lite News

Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Saturday urged Pakistan government to ensure safety of others Lankans working in Pakistan following the brutal murder of a Sri Lankan employee at a factory in Sialkot on Friday.

Posting a Twitter message, President Rajapaksa said: “Deeply concerned by the incident in Sialkot #Pakistan. #SriLanka trusts that PM @ImranKhan and the Gvt. of Pakistan will ensure justice is served and ensure the safety of the remaining Sri Lankan workers in Pakistan.”

Following the murder of factory manager Priyantha Kumara, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan said the horrific attack and burning alive of a Sri Lankan is a day of shame for Pakistan.

Khan also said investigations are underway to arrest the culprits and those responsible would be punished.

With chants of 'gustakh-e-nabi ki ek hi saza, sar tan se juda sar tan se juda', fanatics in Pakistan have burnt a man alive after accusing him of blasphemy. The victim was a Sri Lankan https://t.co/7S2FDMRTzw
— Swati Goel Sharma (@swati_gs) December 3, 2021

Over 100 who were allegedly involved in the attack have been arrested.

Meanwhile Sri Lanka High Commissioner in Pakistan Vice Admiral Mohan Wijewickrama has said that the Pakistan’s foreign ministry has given an undertaking on the safety of the remaining Sri Lankan employees in Pakistan. The Lankan envoy has said that the arrangements have been made to bring down the remains of the SL Factory Manager from Lahore to Colombo.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa in a message demanded justice for the murder of Lankan worker.

“Shocking to see the brutal and fatal attack on Priyantha Diyawadana by extremist mobs in #Pakistan. My heart goes out to his wife and family. #SriLanka and her people are confident that PM @ImranKhanPTI will keep to his commitment to bring all those involved to justice,” Rajapaksa said in a Twitter message.

Priyantha Kumara, who had been working as a manager at a private factory on Wazirabad Road in Sialkot, was tortured to death and his body was set on fire by a mob over allegations of “blasphemy” on December 3.

Sources privy to the investigation said the Punjab government has presented an initial report to the Prime Minister.

As per the preliminary report turned in by the provincial government, a dispute had emerged when Priyantha Kumara removed some posters from the walls of the factory at 10:28am. The posters were reportedly inscribed with the name of the Holy Prophet, The News reported.

Shortly after, the factory owner reached the spot and resolved the issue. Kumara had apologised for the misunderstanding on his part, the report said.

After Kumara made the apology, the matter was reportedly considered settled and the factory workers had dispersed.

However, some workers then incited their colleagues to attack the manager, the report added.

Within a few minutes, a mob formed and set on the victim within the premises of the industrial unit, eventually killing him.

A total of 13 security guards were present in the factory as the brutal attack was occurring. None of them tried to rescue the victim or disperse the mob, said the report.

Kumara’s body was later dragged outside the factory and burned.

Police received a phone call at 11:28am about the incident, officials said. A police party reached the site within 12 minutes, they added.

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