Bhubaneswar: The Ministry of External Affairs expressed regret over the alleged suicide of a Nepali student at Kalinga Institue of Industrial Technology (KIIT) and subsequent attacks on students from the neighbouring country.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on Friday that the ministry is in constant touch with the Odisha government and KIIT authorities.
Speaking during the weekly briefing, Jaiswal said that the ministry is in contact with the KIIT authorities and also maintaining close contact with Nepalese authorities.
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic death of the Nepali student. We convey our heartfelt condolences. Govt of India accords high priority, safety, security and well being of all international students in the country,” said the MEA spokesperson.
“MEA has been in constant touch with the Odisha government and KIIT authorities since the matter of the situation came to light. We have also maintained close contact with the Nepalese authority…,” he added.
On Thursday, KIIT founder Achyuta Samanta tendered an apology to the parents of the Nepalese pupils and urged all those who vacated the campus to come back.
“We all are very sorry and saddened over the unfortunate incident that happened on February 16 night. I am also personally feeling sad. We have taken action against some people,” Samanta said sitting in a gathering of students and two Nepali Embassy officials.
“Your university is running calm and quiet and students are attending classes. We all are happy. A few students from Nepal who are in KIIT are also attending the classes. So, I humbly advise all the KIIT students from Nepal to please join your own university and attend classes,” he said.
Samanta assured, “there will be no harm, regarding academics, campus placement or discipline.”
“I beg apology before the parents of Nepalese students studying at KIIT. My lovable KIITians please come back soon, we are all interested to see you,” he said.
