Kakinada: A dispute over a missing mobile phone triggered a confrontation between Northeast and local students at a nursing college in Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, on August 21, prompting the district administration to move students to separate hostels as a precaution.
The incident occurred at SK College of Nursing after a mobile phone belonging to a Northeast student was reported missing. The dispute reportedly escalated into a confrontation involving students from the Northeast, including Manipur, and Telugu-speaking students.
Police and district administration officials intervened and took steps to prevent the situation from escalating. Northeast students were moved to separate accommodation, while 31 students from other states were also shifted to another hostel with their consent to maintain peace and ensure safety.
The Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister’s Office said Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu took note of the incident and directed senior officials to act immediately. The District Collector and Superintendent of Police subsequently oversaw arrangements for the students and their security.
Some Northeast students were reportedly injured during the confrontation. Videos and photographs from the aftermath showed students with visible injuries.
Former Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh said he contacted the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister’s Office over the incident. He said officials informed him that the students had been shifted to another building and that a woman sub-inspector had been deployed with them overnight.
Students from Manipur later said they were safe and thanked the district administration and police for arranging separate accommodation and security. Singh also thanked Naidu for his “kind and timely intervention”.
Officials said the situation had been brought under control and the issue resolved, while security arrangements remained in place to prevent further tension.
