Bhubaneswar: Alarmed by the recent suicides of two Nepalese students, Bhubaneswar police on Thursday launched a comprehensive safety outreach programme targeting female students in educational institutions with particular focus on international and out-of-state boarders.Under the new initiative, police have decided to assign a woman cop of each police station to provide psychological and legal support to them.“One woman police officer from each police station will act as the link officer for any legal or psychological issues faced by girl students and offer them immediate assistance without requiring their physical presence in police stations,” said commissioner of police S Dev Datta Singh.Police said educational institutions will be advised to install more CCTV cameras in the campus. Self-defence programmes will be organised across schools or colleges in Bhubaneswar.Police officials stated that the primary aim of this outreach initiative is to safeguard and ensure the welfare of female students from other states and countries who are studying in the capital city.Currently, Bhubaneswar hosts about 1,500 international students pursuing their higher education in various institutions. About 170 female students from a private university and another private medical college attended the inaugural session.”During the deliberation, the students were encouraged to voice their concerns, discuss challenges, and provide suggestions regarding their expectations from both college administration and govt authorities, including police. They were encouraged to share their thoughts with their peer group and approach police in case of any emergency,” said Singh.The discussion also emphasised mental health support and crisis intervention strategies, police sources said. The female students reportedly requested police intervention regarding eve-teasing, drug abuse, misconduct and hooliganism outside the campus. They referenced a recent incident where some troublemakers allegedly attacked some female students and made offensive remarks.The police commissioner highlighted the importance of creating a secure and supportive environment for students, particularly those away from home. Police also advised students to remain cyber safe. “We want to ensure that no student feels isolated or helpless while studying in our city,” the police commissioner said.”It’s reassuring to see police taking active steps to address our concerns. Many of us struggle with various issues. Having a support system is vital,” a student said.The interaction occurred exclusively between students and police, excluding institute authorities to ensure students could express themselves freely. Institute authorities supported the initiative. “This collaboration between law enforcement and colleges will help create better support mechanisms for our students,” a functionary of the institute said.