Attacks on Indians not racial, says Australian delegation

AHMEDABAD: An Australian delegation on Tuesday claimed that the attacks on Indian students were not racial but were done with a primary motive of stealing expensive items from them.

"It is true that there have been attacks on Indian students in Australia. But at the same time there is no evidence to indicate organised attacks on Indians," Colin Walters, head of the nine-member Australian delegation visiting the city, told media persons here.

"There is no link between different incidents of attack on Indians in Australia. Most of the offenders who are young kids have been arrested and are awaiting trial," he said.

"It appears that in most cases stealing expensive items like mobile phones and laptop computers which students carry with them was the motive behind the attack," said Walters, who works with the Australian Department of Education.

He, however, admitted that some cases might have had racial overtones.

Asked if the rapid increase in population of Indian students in Australia was causing conflict between them and the local community, Walters denied any such happening.

"Yes, there has been a rapid increase in number of Indian students enrolling for studies in Australia, but this I don't think has lead to any conflict with the locals," he said.