A dispute over a missing mobile phone at a nursing college in Andhra Pradesh’s Kakinada escalated into a confrontation between students from the Northeast and local Telugu-speaking students, prompting authorities to intervene and shift students to separate accommodation.
The incident was reported at SK College of Nursing on August 21 after a mobile phone belonging to a student from the Northeast was allegedly found missing. The disagreement over the phone later intensified, leading to tension between the two groups, including students from Manipur.
The situation was brought under control after the district administration and police stepped in. Officials visited the hostel and took measures to prevent the situation from escalating further.
Students Shifted To Separate Hostels
Following protests by students from both groups, those from the Northeast were moved to separate accommodation as a precautionary measure.
In addition, 31 students from other states were shifted to another hostel with their consent. Authorities said the arrangements were made to ensure the safety of all students and maintain peace on the campus.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu took note of the incident and directed senior officials to resolve the matter immediately, according to the Chief Minister’s Office.
Following his directions, the district collector and superintendent of police intervened, arranged accommodation for the students and took steps to ensure their security. The CMO later said the issue had been resolved.
Manipur Students Thank Authorities
Students from Manipur expressed gratitude to the authorities for intervening and arranging separate accommodation. In a message after the relocation, they said they were safe and appreciated the administration's efforts to ensure their security.
Former Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh also took up the matter with the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister’s Office.
Singh said he was informed that the students had been moved to another building and that a woman sub-inspector had been stationed with them overnight. He thanked Naidu for his “kind and timely intervention” and welcomed the steps taken to ensure the students’ safety.
Dispute Began Over Missing Mobile Phone
According to reports, the tension started after a Northeast student’s mobile phone went missing on August 21. The dispute subsequently escalated into a confrontation between the two groups at the hostel.
Some Northeast students were reportedly injured in the incident, with visuals showing students with apparent injuries. They also reportedly took shelter inside the hostel as tensions rose.
After the matter was brought to the attention of the district administration and police, senior officials intervened and directed local authorities to visit the college hostel and take steps to restore calm.