The Hindu : National : PM: Centre monitoring Kenya situation

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Friday, Jan 04, 2008
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PM: Centre monitoring Kenya situation

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: India is in touch with Kenyan authorities to ensure the safety of persons of Indian origin living in the African country currently witnessing large-scale violence over election results. This information was provided to Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Wednesday in a letter.

The Prime Minister wrote to Mr. Modi in response to his December 31, 2007, letter expressing concern about the welfare of the persons of Indian origin living in Kenya — many of whom originally belonged to Gujarat.

In his letter, Dr. Singh said the Indian High Commission in Kenya was already in touch with the Indian-origin community there.

Dr. Singh also informed Mr. Modi that the External Affairs Ministry had been asked to take immediate action. “I would like to assure you that the Government of India is closely monitoring the situation in Kenya, and is also in touch with the Kenyan authorities to ensure that the people of Indian origin are provided adequate safety.”

Dr. Singh’s letter was released by his office on Thursday, a day after Mr. Modi had criticised the Centre for failing to share information about the safety of Gujaratis living in Kenya with their relatives back home.

The External Affairs Ministry on Wednesday clarified that no deaths had been reported from the Indian-origin community. It had also quoted a Hindu Council statement which mentioned that reports appearing in the Indian media about Gujaratis being targeted or an Asian being killed were wrong.

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