Bhubaneswar, Jan. 24: The 59 Afghan students of Ravenshaw University, who had left the state following a brawl with local students on January 13, are expected to be here on Tuesday evening.

Higher education minister Debi Prasad Mishra today called a meeting of officials at the secretariat and constituted a nodal committee to look into the issue. Police commissioner of the twin cities B.K. Sharma assured the government of ensuring proper protection for students.

The minister said: “Special secretary and director of the higher education department, members of the ICRR (Indian Council for Cultural Relations), representatives of Ravenshaw University and deputy commissioners of police of both the cities have been included in the nodal committee.”

As the students had expressed their desire to stay in Bhubaneswar and not in Cuttack, Mishra said: “We are trying to accommodate them in Chandrasekharpur, Patrapada, Tamando and Patia. We will provide buses for them to commute between Bhubaneswar and Cuttack. Adequate security would be provided to those willing to stay on the campus. Special coaching classes will be organised. Moreover, we are planning to set up a campus for international students.” Vice-chancellor Devdas Chhotray also attended the meet.

The students had left for New Delhi last week. Following the incident, the state government and the Afghan Embassy had intervened and the students agreed to return.

Chhotray assured of steps to redress grievances of the students once they returned.

Rahaman Faizal, an Afghan student, said: “Following the chief minister’s assurance of protection, we have decided to return.” Residents of Cuttack have also welcomed return of the students to Ravenshaw University.