Kakinada nursing college clash over missing phone: Northeast students shifted for safety

A missing mobile phone at a nursing college in Andhra Pradesh's Kakinada turned into a tense confrontation between students from the Northeast and local students, prompting the district administration to step in and move 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 reportedly found missing.

What began as a dispute over the phone allegedly escalated into a confrontation involving Northeast students, including those from Manipur, and Telugu-speaking students.

The situation soon raised concerns over the safety of the students as tensions grew inside the college premises.

Authorities were alerted and senior officials intervened to prevent the confrontation from escalating further.

Following the intervention, students from the Northeast were shifted to separate accommodation as a precautionary measure. Thirty-one students from other states were also moved to another hostel with their consent, according to reports.

The incident drew the attention of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, who directed senior officials to take immediate steps in response to the situation.

Former Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh also said he had contacted the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister's Office regarding the safety of the students.

Officials subsequently assured that arrangements had been made for their security.

The administration later said the situation was under control. The episode has nevertheless renewed concerns about ensuring the safety of students from the Northeast studying outside the region and the need for authorities to respond swiftly when campus disputes threaten to turn violent.