GUWAHATI: Several students from the northeastern states were shifted to an alternative hostel in Kakinada on Saturday after a dispute with local Telugu-speaking students at SK College of Nursing escalated into a confrontation, officials said.
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The situation was brought under control following intervention by the district administration and police. The students were shifted with their consent, while a woman Sub-Inspector was deployed at the new facility to ensure their safety.
The dispute reportedly began over a missing mobile phone and later escalated into a confrontation between the two groups. Protests and counter-protests were subsequently held on the college campus.
The northeastern students alleged that the college management had not handled their grievance fairly and had given preferential treatment to local students.
The matter came to wider attention after videos of the confrontation circulated on social media.
Former Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh subsequently raised the issue with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on X, seeking safety and fair treatment for the students from the Northeast, including those from Manipur.
"Deeply concerned by reports of a clash at S.K. School of Nursing in Andhra Pradesh involving students from the Northeast, including Manipur. Our children must feel safe wherever they are in our country," Singh posted.
The Chief Minister's Office said Naidu reviewed the incident and directed senior officials to intervene.
"Acting on his instructions, the District Collector and SP ensured the safety and security of the students, provided the necessary accommodation and prevented any further escalation," the CMO said.
Following the directions, the Kakinada District Collector and Superintendent of Police deputed senior police and revenue officials to the hostel to mediate and ensure the students' safety.
The administration said peace had been restored and the issue was resolved amicably. Singh later thanked Naidu and the district administration, saying the students were now in safe hands.