Kyrgyz Ambassador to Pakistan Totuyev Ulanbek Asankulovich has stated that the recent unrest in Kyrgyzstan was deliberately exacerbated by external forces and that the situation is now peaceful.

Speaking on the news program “Rubaroo” today, Ambassador Totuyev explained that the violent incidents on May 13th began with a misunderstanding between Kyrgyz and Egyptian students, which escalated into a fight.

He alleged that on the night of May 13th and into May 14th, certain groups spread misinformation on social media claiming that Egyptian students had killed three Kyrgyz students. This sparked outrage online, with people demanding justice for the alleged victims. The resulting protests on May 18th, according to the ambassador, were based on this false information.

When asked about the cause of the incident, the ambassador stated that Kyrgyz police and intelligence agencies are investigating the matter to determine the root cause. He expressed hope that an official conclusion will be reached, but maintained that the incident was a misunderstanding between young people, a common occurrence in any society.

Addressing the question of how a seemingly minor altercation between students escalated to such a large scale, the ambassador reiterated his belief that external forces deliberately amplified the situation. He accused these forces of using their connections in the media, social media, and universities to spread misinformation and incite unrest.

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Regarding the perceived lack of timely action by authorities, Ambassador Totuyev explained that the police and intelligence agencies were initially unaware of the seriousness of the situation. This delayed response, he admitted, contributed to the escalation of the violence. He believes that if local authorities had acted swiftly, the situation wouldn’t have reached such a critical point.

When questioned about the absence of police during the attacks on foreign students, the ambassador stated that police were present in the area but were unable to intervene due to the chaotic nature of the events. He alleged that the attackers, who he described as “malicious and disruptive,” targeted foreign students in the hostels, preventing police from reaching them.

Ambassador Totuyev further stated that the President had previously warned of intelligence reports suggesting attempts by external forces to destabilize the situation. He emphasized that the authorities did not resort to force against the protesters on the day of the incident.

He acknowledged the presence of armed civilians among the protesters who, he claimed, were intent on instigating violence. He argued that if the police had used force to disperse the crowd, it would have played into the hands of these elements, who would have used the incident to further their agenda.

The ambassador concluded by reiterating his belief that the situation was deliberately exacerbated by external forces. He also confirmed that law enforcement agencies have arrested over 20 individuals in connection with the incidents, with more arrests expected in the coming days.