TV
The tragic death of Prakriti Lamsal, a third-year Nepali B.Tech student at KIIT, has sparked widespread protests and international attention. The controversy has raised concerns about student welfare, institutional responsibility, and the treatment of international students in educational institutions.
The incident has prompted discussions about the need for more robust support systems for international students studying in various universities in Odisha. This isn’t the first time that international students were made to feel unsafe in the state.
When Afghan Students Felt Unsafe In Odisha
In 2011, a group of local students attacked foreign students at Ravenshaw University in Cuttack, resulting in injuries to four Afghan students. The assault led to significant concerns about the safety of international students at the institution. Following the attack, 59 Afghan students left the university campus, citing fears for their safety.
All the 59 Afghan students enrolled at Ravenshaw University departed for New Delhi, expressing concerns about their safety on campus. The students claimed that the security provided by local police was inadequate, leaving them vulnerable to further assaults.
The assault on Afghan students at Ravenshaw University had lasting implications for the institution and higher education policies in Odisha.
KIIT University Nepali Girl Student’s Death Re-Sparked Safety Concerns
Meanwhile, the KIIT University incident has once again re-sparked the safety and well-being of international students in Odisha.
KIIT University's Response and Apologies
In response to the growing tensions, KIIT University has taken several steps to address the situation. The Vice-Chancellor issued an official apology through the university's social media channels, reaffirming KIIT's commitment to the safety, dignity, and well-being of all students.
Several faculty members also shared personal apology videos on social media platforms. The university has set up a 24/7 control room at Campus 6 to assist returning Nepali students and has appealed for their return to resume classes. KIIT has also suspended three staff members pending investigation into allegations of misconduct towards students.
However, students expressed lack of faith in the KIIT University management and termed the apologies as delayed damage control attempts.
Diplomatic Impact KIIT University Girl Student’s Death Case
The incident has affected diplomatic dimensions, with both Indian and Nepalese governments being involved. The Nepalese government, led by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, has taken action by dispatching two officers from their embassy in New Delhi to counsel affected students in Odisha. The Nepalese embassy in India has been in communication with KIIT authorities and the Odisha government to ensure the safety and well-being of Nepali students.
As investigations into the circumstances surrounding Prakriti Lamsal's death continue, there are broader implications for international student policies and campus safety measures.
