Indian Embassy Assures Support to Nepali Students After KIIT Tragedy

 The tragic death of Prakriti Lamsal, a third-year B Tech student from Nepal at the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) in Bhubaneswar, has sparked a wave of protests and outrage among Nepali students. The incident, which occurred on Sunday, has led to allegations of mistreatment and sparked unrest at the campus, with students demanding justice and a thorough investigation into the matter. The Indian Embassy in Nepal has responded with an assurance of a comprehensive investigation and called on Nepali students to return to the campus.

Prakriti Lamsal, who died under unclear circumstances, is believed to have taken her own life in her hostel room. This tragic incident has triggered widespread protests among the 1,000-strong Nepali student community at KIIT. The students gathered in large numbers, blocking roads and chanting slogans, demanding justice for Lamsal. As the situation escalated, a male student was taken into custody, and a group of Nepali students also demonstrated in front of the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu, holding placards and seeking a thorough probe into the incident.

In response, the Indian Embassy in Nepal issued a statement assuring the public that a detailed investigation into the death would be conducted. The embassy emphasized that KIIT had urged Nepali students to "return to the campus, resume their classes, and stay in the hostels," as the educational institution values its Nepali student community, which is integral to the relationship between the two countries. The statement reiterated that the Government of India is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of Nepali students studying in India.

As tensions rose on the campus, reports surfaced that several Nepali students had been evicted from the hostel without any arrangements for their travel. KIIT authorities later clarified the situation, stating that extensive efforts, including counseling sessions, were made to resolve the issue peacefully. However, despite their efforts, some students continued their protests, causing disruptions that led to law and order concerns. The university stated that Nepali students were advised to return home temporarily with the assistance of local guardians until the investigation concluded. The university also assured that the academic progress of the students would not be affected during this period.

In an effort to manage the situation, two platoons of police were deployed to maintain order on campus. The police sealed Lamsal’s room and placed her body in the mortuary until her parents arrived. Meanwhile, Lamsal’s father, Sunil Lamsal, alleged mistreatment of Nepali students by the institute. He claimed that the institute's treatment of his daughter and other Nepali students was unfair and that such incidents should not be repeated.

The state government, led by Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj, intervened, directing KIIT to arrange for the return of the Nepali students to Bhubaneswar by special buses. KIIT, in turn, reassured the students that their academic losses would be taken care of and set up a 24/7 control room to assist students in returning to the campus.

In an additional gesture of support, the government of Nepal, led by Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli, sent two officials to counsel the students. The Nepalese government also made arrangements for students to either stay in their hostels or return home, offering them options to ensure their safety and well-being during this time of uncertainty.

This tragic incident has cast a spotlight on the challenges faced by Nepali students studying in India. While the investigation continues, the collective efforts of both governments, universities, and the Indian Embassy reflect a commitment to ensuring the welfare of students and addressing the concerns raised by this incident.