Odisha CM assures Nepal of strict action in KIIT incident

Bhubaneswar, Feb 22: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Saturday assured Nepal Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba that strict action will be taken against those responsible for the alleged harassment of Nepali students at KIIT Deemed University in Bhubaneswar.

During a telephonic conversation, Majhi reaffirmed the Odisha government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of Nepali students. “Students from Nepal are like our own children, and we will take all necessary measures to protect them and restore their confidence in Odisha,” he said.

Additionally, the Chief Minister met Nepalese embassy officials, Naveen Raj Adhikari and Sanjiv Sharma, at Lok Seva Bhawan in Bhubaneswar to discuss the issue. He informed them that ten individuals have been arrested in connection with the incident. The CMO (Chief Minister’s Office) reiterated that the state government is committed to delivering justice and maintaining normalcy at KIIT.

The Nepalese embassy officials appreciated Odisha’s swift response following the tragic death by suicide of a Nepali BTech student, allegedly due to harassment by a fellow student. They emphasized that Nepal and Odisha share long-standing friendly relations, which will continue in the future. Parents of Nepali students at KIIT have also expressed satisfaction with the Odisha government’s prompt action.