The protests over the alleged mistreatment of Nepali students at Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT), a Deemed-to-be-University in Bhubaneswar, continue to escalate. The Odisha government has assured Nepal that a thorough investigation will be conducted, ensuring justice for a Nepali student, Prakriti, who reportedly died by suicide on campus.
What Actions Has the Odisha Government Taken?
Odisha’s Chief Minister, Mohan Majhi, directly addressed the issue by speaking with Nepali counselors Sanjeeb Das Sharma and Navin Raj Adhikari. He reassured them that the matter would be investigated fairly and that justice would prevail.
Taking to social media platform X, CM Majhi also emphasized that peace and order would be restored at KIIT. He urged Nepali students to return to their classes without fear. But will these assurances be enough to calm the ongoing unrest?
High-Level Discussions to Address the Situation
To further address the growing tension, two key Odisha Ministers, Mukesh Mahaling and Suryabanshi Suraj, along with Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, engaged in discussions with Nepal’s representatives. Their goal? To ensure that the campus returns to normalcy and students feel safe once again.
Meanwhile, Nepal’s Foreign Minister, Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba, also intervened, speaking with Minister Suraj over the phone to express her concerns. But what additional steps will be taken to safeguard Nepali students in the future?
Nepal’s Strong Response
The situation has caught the attention of Nepal’s Prime Minister, K.P. Sharma Oli. Expressing his concern, he announced that the Nepali embassy in New Delhi has sent two officers to counsel the affected students. Additionally, Nepali students have been given the choice to either stay in their hostel or return home, ensuring they feel secure.
Investigation Underway: What Will It Reveal?
In response to the serious allegations, the Odisha government has formed a high-level committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding the alleged suicide and reported harsh actions by university authorities. The committee has already visited the KIIT campus, but the question remains—what will their findings uncover? And will the university be held accountable if wrongdoing is found?
The Road Ahead
As tensions persist, both the Odisha and Nepal governments are working to resolve the issue. But will the assurances and investigations lead to lasting change? Can Nepali students feel safe returning to their studies at KIIT? The coming days will be crucial in determining the outcome of this highly sensitive matter.
