KATHMANDU: Nepali students expelled from Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) University in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, after facing violent treatment from university authorities, have started returning home. Many of them reached Nepal after enduring a distressing ordeal.
A large group of over 300 students left Bhubaneswar on Monday night, with the first batch of 95 students arriving in Birgunj by road early Wednesday morning. These students, who entered Nepal via the Birgunj checkpoint, are gradually making their way home.
There are 19 women and 76 men among those who have returned. Approximately 80% of them are Parsa residents, with the remainder coming from districts like Bara, Rautahat, and Makawanpur. Local authorities are planning to secure transportation for the increasing number of students arriving.
The interim chief district officer for Parsa, Nishan Raj Gautam, said that steps are being taken to facilitate their return home. The District Police Office also gets involved in order to document the students' details and ensure their safety.
To help transport the students, two school buses from South Zone School in Simara were dispatched. Assistant principal Ashok Sangroula stated that more buses would be sent as needed to accommodate additional arrivals.
The students recounted harrowing experiences, alleging that they were violently removed from their hostels. Following the controversial death of student Prakriti Lamsal, they claim the university administration deployed hired thugs and security personnel to suppress protests.
One of the students described how they were given no time to pack their belongings before being forcefully removed. "They sent goons to our hostel. We were beaten, both boys and girls and thrown out without any warning. Many of our friends are injured," the student shared.
After being expelled, the students were left stranded at various railway stations in Bhubaneswar. From there, they made their way to Kolkata and took different routes to reach Nepal. Their journey home was filled with uncertainty and fear.
Widespread demonstrations have been sparked by Prakriti Lamsal's unexpected and unexplained death in her dormitory room. The general assumption that she did not die naturally exacerbated the outrage of the students.
Indian officials have responded to the outcry by taking measures. Six individuals, including the KIIT director general, have been placed under arrest while the matter is still being examined.
As the situation progresses, worries concerning the treatment of Nepali students in Indian schools remain. Many affected pupils are now seeking justice and assistance as their relatives in Nepal want answers.
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