Odisha CM Assures Nepal Foreign Minister of Strict Action on KIIT University Incident

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has assured Nepal’s Foreign Minister, Dr. Arju Rana Deuba, of strict action against those responsible for the recent unrest at KIIT University following the tragic death of a Nepali girl student.

In a telephonic conversation with Dr. Deuba, the Chief Minister reaffirmed that all individuals found guilty in the matter would be dealt with firmly. The incident, which occurred on February 16, led to tensions on the KIIT campus, prompting the university to initially issue an order for Nepali students to vacate the premises on February 17. However, the directive was later revoked after intervention from the Odisha government and Nepal’s Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, who had dispatched two embassy officials to Bhubaneswar to support the affected students.

Majhi emphasized that Nepali students in Odisha would be treated with the utmost respect and assured that the state government is taking all necessary steps to restore their confidence and sense of security. He also informed Nepal Embassy officials Naveen Raj Nirukh and Sanjiv Sharma Das, who met him at Lok Seva Bhavan, that 10 individuals had been arrested in connection with the incident.

During the discussions, the Chief Minister reiterated that the state government had implemented measures to restore a peaceful academic environment at KIIT University. The Nepalese officials acknowledged the swift response by the Odisha government and conveyed their gratitude on behalf of the Nepalese government. They stated that both Nepali students and their parents now feel reassured and expressed hope that the long-standing ties between Nepal and Odisha would continue to strengthen.

The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja and Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Nikunj Bihari Dhal.