Attack on students in Australia: BJP writes to MEA
On the issue of continuous attacks on Indian students in Australia opposition BJP has lodged strong protest and submitted a memorandum to the Minister of External Affairs S M Krishna demanding tough action against perpetrators of such crimes. The memorandum, jointly issued by Sushma Swaraj, Leader of opposition in Lok Sabha and Arun Jaitely, Leader of opposition in Rajya Sabha, has demanded the government to raise the issue through the international forum of Human Rights too. The text of the memorandum has given below:
S.M.Krishna 1st Feb 2010
Minister for External Affairs
Govt. of India, New Delhi
Dear Minister,
We have been constrained to approach you on behalf of the Bharatiya Janata Party being concerned about the safety of Indians, particularly Indian students in Australia. India and Australia have a history of cordial and friendly relations. We are committed to the maintenance of this relationship. However, incidents of the past few months have created a sense of anguish amongst all Indians about the manner in which the Indian students in Australia are being treated.
Indian students have been the targets of mindless violence and attacks in Australia. These attacks are wholly unprovoked. There is no plausible explanation as to why only persons belonging to one national origin are being singled out for these attacks. Citizens of other nationalities as also locals in Australia have not been subjected to such humiliation. There is no provocation in Australia by the Indian community. Neither are Indian students, some of whom may be working part time, indulging in professions or activities which can be a ground for provocation. Under these circumstances we are constrained to assume that these attacks are essentially racial in character and deserve to be condemned by one and all. The assurances of the Australian government including the Prime Minister have not reduced the intensity of these attacks.
The Government of India has come out with statements of concern for the students and an advisory has been issued advising students not to go to Australia. However, the safety of those who are already in Australia remains of utmost concern.
On behalf of Bharatiya Janata Party we have been constrained to approach you to take some effective steps to ensure that the Australian authorities act effectively to stop these attacks. The investigation of these crimes in Australia needs to be expedited and culprits brought to book. Only a deterrent punishment to the perpetrators of such crimes will ensure that such crimes are prevented. The government of India must also explore the possibility of raising this issue on the Human Rights forum globally. With warm regards.
Sushma Swaraj
Arun Jaitley