Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba on Wednesday made a telephone conversation with the Education Minister of Odisha, India, Suryabanshi Suraj, regarding the death of a Nepali student, Prakriti Lamsal, at the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) University in Odisha.
During the phone call, Minister Deuba expressed her concerns about the safety and well-being of Nepali students at KIIT following the death of Prakriti Lamsal, a third-year student, who was found dead in her hostel room on Sunday. She urged Minister Suraj to ensure that a fair and transparent investigation is conducted into Lamsal's death and that those found responsible are brought to justice.
Minister Deuba also requested that the Odisha government provide a safe and secure environment for Nepali students at KIIT. She stressed the importance of ensuring that Nepali students are able to continue their education without fear of discrimination or violence.
Minister Suraj expressed his condolences to the family of Lamsal and assured Minister Deuba that the Odisha government is taking the matter seriously. He said that a high-level inquiry committee has been formed to investigate the incident and that the government is committed to ensuring that justice is served.
Minister Suraj also said that the Odisha government has set up a hotline for Nepali students and their families to provide them with counseling and support. He added that the government is working to ensure that Nepali students who have left the KIIT campus following Lamsal's death are able to return to their studies as soon as possible.
The Nepali Embassy in New Delhi is also in contact with the KIIT administration and Indian authorities to ensure that the investigation into Lamsal's death is conducted fairly and transparently.
The incident has sparked outrage among Nepali students in India and Nepal. Many students have taken to social media demanding justice for Lamsal and calling for better protection for Nepali students in India.
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