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The recent events at the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) in Bhubaneswar, India, have left a group of Nepali students deeply traumatized and fearful of returning to their studies. The incident revolves around the alleged suicide of a 20-year-old Nepali female student, Prakriti Lamsal, which sparked protests and a subsequent violent altercation involving Nepali students and alleged KIIT personnel. This incident has created a climate of fear and distrust among the Nepali student body, leaving them hesitant to return to the campus despite attempts by the Indian authorities to reassure their safety. The students' accounts paint a disturbing picture of a campus environment that has become unsafe and unconducive to learning after the incident. Their claims of being physically assaulted by a large group of individuals, described as 'goons and bodybuilders,' highlight the severity of the situation and raise serious concerns about campus security and the well-being of the student population.
The students' fear is further exacerbated by the perceived lack of justice and accountability following Prakriti Lamsal's death and the subsequent assault. They question the arrest of only five individuals involved in the violence, expressing concern that others responsible remain unpunished. This perceived impunity fuels their apprehension about returning to KIIT, fearing a repeat of the violence. The students' demand for the transfer of first and second-year students to other colleges underscores their deep-seated fear and their lack of confidence in the institute's ability to guarantee their safety and well-being. Their reluctance to return solely based on news of a settlement points to a serious credibility gap between the KIIT administration and the Nepali student community. The fact that they sought refuge in Kathmandu and held a press conference wearing masks speaks volumes about the level of fear and intimidation they are experiencing.
The intervention of the Nepali government is crucial in addressing the students' concerns and ensuring their safe return to their education if they choose. This requires more than just statements of support; concrete actions are necessary. A thorough and transparent investigation into both Prakriti Lamsal's death and the subsequent attacks on protesting students must be conducted, leading to the swift prosecution of all those responsible. The Nepali government needs to actively engage with the Indian authorities to ensure that KIIT takes adequate steps to address the security concerns raised by the Nepali students. This may include establishing robust security measures on campus, ensuring the protection of Nepali students from harassment and violence, and implementing measures to foster a more inclusive and safe learning environment for all. Furthermore, the government must provide the affected students with the necessary support, including counseling and any other assistance needed to address their trauma and facilitate their return to their studies, whether at KIIT or another institution.
The situation highlights broader concerns about the safety and well-being of international students studying in foreign countries. Universities and institutions have a responsibility to create safe and welcoming environments for all students, regardless of their nationality. This incident underscores the need for robust policies and procedures to protect students from violence and harassment. International cooperation between governments is critical in ensuring that such incidents are addressed effectively and that appropriate measures are put in place to prevent similar situations from occurring in the future. The Nepali students' experiences serve as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by international students and the importance of addressing these issues to ensure a safe and supportive learning environment for all.
Source: We are scared, can’t return on the basis of news of settlement: KIIT students in Nepal