New Delhi: In the wake of fresh cases of assault on African nationals, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj today held a meeting with African students where she assured them of complete government assistance to prevent such incidents in future. There has been a series of attacks on African nationals in the last few days including killing of the Congolese youth and assault on a 23-year-old Nigerian student in Hyderabad.
Five persons have so far been arrested in connection with the attacks.
Meeting a delegation of students and two leaders, Swaraj said that the attacks were not only condemnable but also painful. “As a mother I can understand the pain of parents of Congo student (Oliver) who lost their son on a foreign soil,” she said addressing reporters after the meeting. Swaraj further said the attacks had sullied India’s image and that those guilty behind the incident will not be spared.
“On one hand we hold the India-Africa Summit where we invite participation from 54 countries and on the other we have such incidents that hamper India’s image,” Swaraj said.
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However, the minister said the attacks were not racist and should not be viewed as such. “Tried to explain them that the incident is huge but it isn't an incident of racial discrimination. Death of Congo student is not a racist attack and should not be viewed in that context,” she added.
The students met Swaraj along with other officials of the Ministry of External Affairs where they were assured of security and safety. The government officials also requested them not to go ahead with their planned protest at Jantar Mantar.
"There was a high-level meeting with the Permanent Secretary of Ministry of External Affairs yesterday. He listened to our grievances and has made commitments to ensure our safety in India. Leaders of 15 African countries were also present during the meeting," the Association of African Students in India said in a statement.
It further said, "There was also a meeting with Delhi Police Commissioner and other senior officials where contact details of high level officials were shared with us and they promised us of better policing with respect to Africans".
Sushma Swaraj, after concluding the meet, said the government will initiate programmes of awareness and sensitization in areas with max population of African students, so that such incidents don't recur.
“We have chalked out a plan as per which our MoS along with Secretary will visit every metro city and hold discussions with African students,” she said.
