Indian Embassy advises Nepali students after tragedy.
Indian Embassy Urges Calm Among Nepali Students After KIIT Student’s Death
The Indian Embassy in Nepal has assured a thorough investigation into the alleged suicide of a Nepali student at Odisha’s Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT). The incident, which has sparked widespread protests, has led the embassy to urge Nepali students to return to campus and continue their studies while authorities address their concerns.
A Tragic Incident at KIIT
Prakriti Lamsal, a third-year B.Tech student at the Bhubaneswar-based KIIT, was found dead in her hostel room on Sunday in what authorities have reported as a case of suicide. The tragic event has triggered unrest among the student community, particularly among the 1,000 Nepali students enrolled at the institute.
Following the incident, agitated students took to the streets, blocking roads, chanting slogans, and attempting to force their way into administrative buildings. Their demands include a transparent and swift investigation into the circumstances surrounding Lamsal’s death. In response, authorities have taken a male student into custody for questioning.
Protests Reach the Indian Embassy in Nepal
The outrage over Lamsal’s death has extended beyond KIIT’s campus, with a group of Nepali students staging a demonstration in front of the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu. Holding placards and demanding justice, they urged Indian authorities to ensure a fair probe into the matter.
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the Indian Embassy issued a statement addressing the concerns of the protestors. The embassy reaffirmed India’s commitment to the safety and well-being of Nepali students studying in the country.
KIIT’s Response and Call for Students to Return
As tensions mounted, KIIT authorities appealed to Nepali students to return to campus, resume classes, and stay in the hostels. The institution emphasized its commitment to student welfare and assured cooperation with the investigation.
Diplomatic and Institutional Efforts to Address Concerns
The incident has put a spotlight on the experiences of international students in India, particularly those from Nepal, who form a significant student community across various universities. The embassy’s reassurance aims to ease tensions and encourage constructive dialogue between authorities and students.
Efforts are underway to facilitate discussions between KIIT management, student representatives, and embassy officials to address grievances and ensure necessary support systems are in place.
What Comes Next?
As the investigation unfolds, students are demanding greater transparency and enhanced safety measures on campus. The tragedy has sparked broader conversations about mental health support, student safety, and institutional accountability within India’s higher education system.
Authorities are expected to release further details on the probe in the coming days. Meanwhile, both the Indian and Nepali governments are working to prevent any further escalation of tensions, reinforcing their commitment to safeguarding student welfare and maintaining strong bilateral ties.
For now, the Indian Embassy continues to monitor the situation closely, urging calm and cooperation while justice for Prakriti Lamsal remains a priority.