The Nepalese government has asked for the permanent removal of certain staff members at the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) in Odisha. This request follows the suicide of a 20-year-old Nepalese student and the mistreatment of other students who protested. The Nepalese Foreign Minister, Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba, urged Odisha’s Chief Minister, Mohan Charan Majhi, to take strict action against those responsible.
Tragedy at KIIT Leads to Protests
The situation at KIIT began on February 16 when a 20-year-old Nepalese student, Prakriti Lamsal, died by suicide. This tragic event led to protests from Nepali students. They accused the staff of mistreating them after the incident. Some students were even evicted from their hostels for protesting.
The protests gained attention from both the Nepalese and Indian governments. Dr. Deuba spoke with Chief Minister Majhi. She asked him to permanently remove the staff who had mistreated the students. She said that Nepalese students should feel safe and respected while studying in India.
Odisha Government Responds
Chief Minister Majhi assured Dr. Deuba that the Odisha government would take action. He said that those responsible for the suicide and mistreatment would be punished. The government has set up a committee to investigate the incident. Majhi also said that Nepalese students are like children to the state. They would continue to study with full respect and dignity.
During a meeting with officials from the Nepalese Embassy, Majhi confirmed that 10 people had been arrested in connection with the attacks on Nepali students. He promised that further legal action would follow.
Coordination Between Governments
Dr. Deuba thanked Chief Minister Majhi for his response. She said that the government’s actions so far were encouraging. She also mentioned that the Nepalese embassy was working closely with the Odisha government. The goal is to ensure that Nepalese students are safe and treated with respect.
“The Odisha government is taking this seriously,” Dr. Deuba said in a post on social media. She said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Nepal and the embassy in New Delhi were coordinating with the Odisha government to support the students. They also worked with the university to ensure the safety of Nepalese students.
Allegations of Discrimination
The situation has sparked criticism from opposition leaders in Odisha. They claim that the treatment of Nepalese students was unfair and discriminatory. Bijay Patnaik, an opposition leader, said that only Nepalese students were evicted from the campus. He also said that some staff used insulting language toward Nepal.
Patnaik questioned why the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the central government had not spoken out about the issue. He called for the KIIT university to explain why its “Deemed to be University” status should not be revoked. His comments reflect growing concerns over the treatment of foreign students in Odisha.
Investigation and Legal Actions
The Odisha government’s high-level committee is working hard to investigate the events surrounding the suicide and the mistreatment of students. Several officials from KIIT, including its founder, have been questioned. The government is waiting for the findings of the investigation before taking further steps.
“We are committed to making sure this does not happen again,” said Suryabanshi Suraj, the state’s Higher Education Minister. He also said that the government is taking all necessary steps to restore the healthy academic atmosphere at KIIT.
Ongoing Protests and Public Concern
The incident has led to more protests. Congress activists have demanded that KIIT’s founder, Achyuta Samanta, be arrested. Protesters have also accused the institution of racial discrimination against foreign students. Some activists clashed with security personnel when they tried to enter the campus.
Many people are concerned about the treatment of foreign students in Odisha. Some have suggested opening a special cell at the Raj Bhavan to address their issues and make sure they feel safe.
The Nepalese government remains focused on seeking justice for Prakriti Lamsal. They also want to ensure that Nepalese students studying in Odisha feel safe. The Odisha government has promised to take strong action and restore a positive atmosphere at KIIT. Both governments are working together to address the issue and ensure the well-being of Nepalese students.
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