Agartala, July 18, 2025: The recent suicide of a Class 10 student Jekim Marak at Tripura’s 82 Miles ST Boys Hostel in Nalkata area of Dhalai district has sent shockwaves across the state. Although the exact reason behind the tragic incident remains unclear, the matter has drawn serious attention from the authorities.

On Friday, Tribal Welfare Minister Bikash Debbarma visited the hostel to assess the situation and speak with those involved. Accompanied by MDC Bidyut Debbarma and officials from the Tribal Welfare Department, the minister interacted with hostel staff and teachers in an effort to understand the circumstances that may have led to Jekim’s death.

Expressing his grief, Minister Debbarma stated, “Parents and teachers must be more aware so that such incidents do not happen again. Everyone must pay attention so that students do not fall victim to any kind of addiction.”

During his visit, the minister also inspected the 82 Miles Proper ST Girls Hostel and the 82 Miles Residential English Medium School Hostel. He took stock of various infrastructural and administrative issues affecting the hostels and directed officials to address them promptly.

“The learning environment should be kept safe and positive. Attention should also be paid to the mental health of the students,” he said, emphasizing the importance of student well-being.

The minister’s visit has provided some reassurance to hostel authorities and the local community, who now hope that timely intervention and increased awareness will prevent such heartbreaking incidents in the future.