The National Human Rights Commission of Nepal has called on its Indian equivalent to investigate the suspicious death of a 20-year-old Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) student, Prakriti Lamsal. The tragic incident, ruled as a probable suicide, incited outrage following an attack on protesting Nepali students at the campus and the subsequent evictions. Prompt intervention from the Nepal government was deemed necessary to address the growing concerns of safety and justice for the affected students.
In its official statement, the Nepal NHRC has formally requested the National Human Rights Commission of India to delve into the circumstances surrounding Lamsal’s death and to expedite justice for the students who were reportedly assaulted. Alongside ensuring justice, the commission has urged Indian authorities to safeguard the wellbeing of Nepali students and provide an environment conducive to their studies, free from fear and harassment.
Given the ongoing unrest, the NHRC has also reached out to the Nepali Embassy in India for insights regarding the well-being of the students still displaced by the violence. Many Nepali students, feeling unsafe, have not returned to KIIT and are yearning for reassurance before resuming their education. The commission has recommended diplomatic efforts be mobilised to foster a supportive study atmosphere for them.
In a proactive step, Nepal’s Foreign Minister, Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba, discussed the situation with Odisha’s Chief Minister, Mohan Charan Majhi, pressing for the removal of any KIIT staff involved in the mistreatment of Nepali students. The Odisha government, in response, has directed KIIT to act swiftly to mend the fractured trust of returning students.
Tensions escalated on the KIIT campus on February 16 after a group of Nepalese students sought to view Lamsal’s body and demanded accountability. Their peaceful assembly was met with aggression from certain staff members, leading to their eviction from the hostels under distressful circumstances. Nepal’s Prime Minister, K.P. Sharma Oli, has since voiced his concern, deploying embassy officials to India to assess the situation directly.
The National Human Rights Commission of Nepal has urged India to investigate the suspicious death of student Prakriti Lamsal at KIIT, Bhubaneswar, and ensure justice for affected Nepali students. The incident led to protests, allegations of violence, and calls for the removal of misbehaving staff. Nepal’s Foreign Minister intervened, and further diplomatic actions are anticipated to secure a safe educational environment for students.
This distressing saga reflects a troubling intersection of academic life and human rights, stirring a potent call for justice. The Nepal NHRC’s appeal underscores the urgent need for accountability and safety for international students abroad. As diplomatic efforts intensify, the hope remains that the students can soon return to their studies free from fear, fostering the belief that education should thrive in a secure environment, irrespective of nationality.
Original Source: www.thehindu.com
