Imphal: A group of nursing students from Northeast India, majority of whom belong to the Zeliangrong community, have allegedly been subjected to physical assault by locals in Vidyanagar Ramanayapet area of Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, and are currently barricaded inside their hostel premises at SK College of Nursing, according to multiple sources familiar with the situation.
The incident is understood to have been triggered following the disappearance of a mobile phone belonging to a Rongmei (Zeliangrong) nursing student on the night of August 21. The phone was allegedly taken by a local student. The device was subsequently recovered from an empty room. Following its recovery, the students reportedly sought information regarding the identity of the person who had taken the phone, after which tensions escalated.
The students, reportedly terrified and without food, locked themselves inside a room on the terrace of their hostel after alleged attacks by a group of locals wielding sticks. Sources indicate that attempts were being made to break down the door.
The incident came to wider attention after distress calls and voice messages from the students reached community leaders and former law enforcement officials.
Police personnel reportedly reached the hostel premises earlier today. However, sources said the students, fearing for their safety due to the presence of a large crowd of locals outside, requested that necessary procedural formalities be conducted inside their rooms, a request that was allegedly denied. At the time of reporting, only a few police personnel were said to be present at the scene.
Meanwhile, sources indicated that the students' belongings were being forcefully packed and they were being asked to vacate the premises, leaving them confused and uncertain about their next steps.
The matter has been escalated to multiple authorities and civil society organizations:
Gautam Sawang, IPS (Retd.), former Director General of Police of Andhra Pradesh and Vice President of North East Connect Association (NECA), Hyderabad, confirmed that he has apprised the Superintendent of Police, Kakinada, of the situation. The SP reportedly assured immediate intervention and dispatched an inspector to the location.
Robin Hibu, IPS, President of Helping Hands, stated that he has informed the Director General of Police, Andhra Pradesh, as well as Suneel Chavali, Information Commissioner, for intervention.
The Chief Secretary of Manipur is understood to be in touch with his counterpart in Andhra Pradesh to coordinate a response.
The Rongmei Organisation, Hyderabad, a student body, was reportedly en route to the location to assist the students.
At approximately 5:14 PM, a communication was received from one of the students, confirming that police had visited the hostel but that the students remained fearful of stepping outside due to the crowd gathered at the gate.
The SP, Kakinada, has assured that the matter is being addressed and that an inspector has been sent to the location immediately.
Incidents involving students and professionals from Northeast India facing harassment or violence in other parts of the country have drawn repeated concern from civil society groups and government bodies. Community organizations have called for the matter to be taken up at the highest levels by state police and political representatives, including Members of Parliament and Legislative Assembly from the Northeast region.
This is a developing story. Further details will be reported as they become available.
NEWire.in is monitoring the situation. Readers with verified information may reach out to the editorial desk
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