The Hindu : Front Page : Centre’s advice to Indian students

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Wednesday, Jun 10, 2009
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Centre’s advice to Indian students

Sandeep Dikshit

NEW DELHI: The government on Tuesday advised the Indian students in Australia and the media at home to exercise restraint. It also promised to engage Canberra in high-level dialogue on the issue.

Speaking in both Houses of Parliament, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh called upon the media to think about more than two lakh Australian citizens of Indian origin and avoid creating a situation in which they would become targets of racial intolerance.

“Show restraint”

Interacting with journalists outside Parliament, External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna had a similar message for the Indian students, a few of whom are reported to have formed vigilante groups, which has not gone down well with the Australian police. “I would like to urge the Indian students to be patient and show restraint. They have gone there for higher studies. They should concentrate on that rather than retaliate.”

The Australian government had given the “fullest assurance” that steps would be taken to ensure the safety of Indian students.

Replying to the debate on the motion of thanks to the President’s address, Dr. Singh said he was appalled by the “senseless violence and crime,” some of which were racially motivated. “I propose to engage the authorities in Australia in a high-level dialogue to take stock of the situation and provide adequate security for the Indian students.”

Dr. Singh recalled his conversation with his Australian counterpart Kevin Rudd, who had promised strong action against the perpetrators of the attacks.

He advised the media not to “willy nilly create a situation,” in which permanent residents of Indian-origin in Australia were targeted.

The Federation of Indian Students of Australia has appreciated the support extended by Indian political leaders and student organisations.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has shown a strong leadership in taking up the matter at the highest level, it said. The support from Communist Party of India leader D. Raja is a “symbol of collective action.” His plea for a special envoy to be sent to Australia is welcome, as such a step will help to improve the confidence of Indians, it said.

Universities Australia, the apex body representing universities in that country, has announced the adoption of a 10-point plan for students’ safety. It is based on the recommendations from university administrators dealing with international students.

A PTI report from Melbourne said that on Monday, a 20-year-old man was stabbed on Melbourne suburb after he allegedly racially abused some Indian students.

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