Nepal Human Rights Commission Calls for Justice in KIIT Tragedy

The recent death of Prakriti Lamsal, a 20-year-old B.Tech student at Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT), has sparked an international human rights concern. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of Nepal has urged its Indian counterpart to conduct a thorough investigation into her alleged suicide and ensure justice for Nepalese students affected by subsequent violence on the KIIT campus.

The Tragic Incident at KIIT

Prakriti Lamsal, a student from Kathmandu, Nepal, was found dead in an incident suspected to be suicide. However, the circumstances surrounding her death remain unclear, raising suspicions and concerns among her peers and family members. The tragedy triggered widespread protests among Nepalese students at KIIT, who sought clarity on the situation and demanded justice for their fellow student.

Instead of addressing their concerns, the protesting students reportedly faced violent retaliation. Allegedly, some KIIT staffers attacked them, and many Nepalese students were forcibly evicted from their hostels. These actions led to heightened diplomatic intervention from Nepal, prompting the NHRC Nepal to step in.

NHRC Nepal’s Appeal for Justice

In a formal press release, the NHRC of Nepal announced that it had written to the National Human Rights Commission of India, urging them to:

Investigate the suspicious circumstances surrounding Prakriti Lamsal’s death.
Ensure swift justice for the affected students.
Hold the individuals responsible for violence and mistreatment accountable.
Guarantee the safety and well-being of Nepalese students studying in India.

The commission also requested an update from the Nepal Embassy in India regarding the condition of the affected students and the overall situation at KIIT.

Diplomatic Efforts to Safeguard Nepalese Students

The unrest at KIIT escalated to a diplomatic level, prompting Nepal’s Foreign Minister, Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba, to intervene directly. On February 22, she spoke to Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and insisted that disciplinary action be taken against teachers and staff members who allegedly mistreated Nepalese students.

Additionally, Nepalese Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli took a proactive approach by dispatching two embassy officials to Bhubaneswar to assess the situation. Their visit aimed to ensure the safety of Nepalese students and restore confidence in the educational environment at KIIT.

Odisha Government’s Response

In response to the escalating crisis, the Odisha state government instructed KIIT authorities to take immediate steps to rebuild trust among Nepalese students. The government emphasized the need for swift action to ensure the safe return of students who had fled the campus due to safety concerns.

During a discussion in the Odisha Assembly, BJD MLA Ganeswar Behera highlighted the gravity of the situation, terming it a significant human rights violation that tarnished the state’s reputation. He urged authorities to take remedial measures to address the crisis effectively.

Ensuring a Safe Educational Environment

The events at KIIT underscore the importance of safeguarding the rights of international students and ensuring a secure academic environment. Both Nepalese and Indian authorities must work together to:

Conduct a transparent investigation into Prakriti Lamsal’s death.
Address the grievances of the Nepalese students affected by the violence.
Implement measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Foster a culture of inclusivity and security in educational institutions.

The Nepal NHRC’s appeal and the subsequent diplomatic intervention signal a crucial step toward justice and accountability. The incident serves as a reminder of the collective responsibility of educational institutions, governments, and human rights bodies to uphold the dignity and security of students from all backgrounds.

As developments unfold, the focus must remain on ensuring that justice is served and that Nepalese students at KIIT can resume their education without fear or intimidation. The outcome of this case will not only impact the students at KIIT but also set a precedent for the treatment of international students in India in the future.

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