KIIT girl student death case: Nepalese students ‘reluctant’ to return to university amid safety concerns

The recent unrest at KIIT University in Bhubaneswar over a Nepali student's death, allegedly by suicide, has reportedly left many fellow students hesitating to resume their studies. It has been a week since the unrest on the campus, yet efforts by university authorities and governmental appeals have so far failed to reassure concerned students and their families.

Around 1,100 Nepalese students are enrolled at KIIT University, but only 150 to 200 have reportedly returned to the campus after returning home with distressing memories. The Nepalese community indicates that many students may request transfer certificates, opting to continue their education in Nepal instead. Discussions among political circles have intensified, with various parties debating the issue.

Safety concerns persist

Safety assurances from KIIT have not reportedly dispelled fears among the students and their families. The conflict on February 16 continues to evoke anxiety among those affected. Incidents of Nepalese students reportedly being mishandled by bouncers and abandoned at railway stations have further inflamed these fears.

In Nepal, media sources report that around 301 students have already returned, with plans being made for their further education at local institutions like Tribhuvan University and Purbanchal University. While efforts to provide alternative education options are underway, uncertainty remains over how many students will decide to return to KIIT.

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“Many Nepalese students are saying that they will not return to KIIT until the University guarantees their security. They are mulling to transfer to Tribhuvan University and Purbanchal University to study the remaining subjects. Nepalese students are scared and they don’t have faith in KIIT University anymore. KIIT is ready to take the Nepalese students by saying that no such thing will occur in the future. Discussion in this regard is currently going on between Odisha and Nepal government,” said Mool Pravah Akhil Bharat Nepali Ekta Samaj Bhubaneswar president, Rekam GC.

“Nepal students have lost their faith in KIIT University due to the unfortunate incident. No such incident has happened like this across the globe. Good Nepali students may opt other universities for their study,” said educationist Dr Raghunath Panda. 

Response and future plans

The absence of a clear response from KIIT regarding the students’ ongoing concerns has drawn criticism. Political tensions are high, with the opposition criticising the government’s response to the situation and the ruling party urging firm action against those responsible for the incidents.

“The State government has completely failed to win the confidence of the students of the other states and the country. As a result, outside students are not eager to return to KIIT for their study,” said BJD leader Sarada Prasanna Jena.

“The reputation of the institution has been diminished. However, the State government didn’t give any importance to it. Nepali students are now scared. What kind of action was taken against the persons who gave unfortunate statement that expenditure of KIIT is more than Nepal’s budget?” asked Congress leader Ashok Das.

However, the ruling BJP refuted the allegations by the Opposition parties. 

“It’s a baseless statement by the Opposition parties that Nepali students are reluctant. They are all eager to return to Odisha. It’s a state where peace and friendship prevail. The Opposition parties are only defaming Odisha,” said BJP leader Ashwini Sarangi.