All attacks on Africans not racial, says Sushma Swaraj

Sushma Swaraj (PHOTO: SNS)


Expressing concern over African envoys' statement on attacks on Africans, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Wednesday said that all the attacks on Africans are not racial.

"The attack cannot be called racist before the probe is completed. We are committed to African students' safety," the Union minister said in Lok Sabha while replying to opposition members.

Terming the African envoys' statement 'unfortunate, painful and surprising,' Sushma said that steps taken by India to ensure safety of Africans cannot be called 'inadequate'.

"You can't say our steps are inadequate. We are committed to ensuring security of all foreigners in India," she said.

African envoys on April 3 condemned the incident and expressed deep concern over India not doing enough post the attack.

Calling the incidents 'racial, xenophobic acts', they sought international inquiry into the matter.

The African envoys held a special meeting to review the attacks and agreed to call for an independent investigation by the Human Rights Council and also to report to the African Union Commission.

Three Nigerian students were attacked during a fight that broke out on March 28 when local residents were holding a candlelight march against the death of a class 12 student who died of drug overdose. The local residents have alleged that the student, Manish Khari, was drugged by the Nigerians, who lived nearby.