Australian govt condemns attacks on Indian students

MELBOURNE: Australian government condemned a spate of attacks on Indian students after the latest racial assault left a 25-year-old youth battling for life, vowing that "discrimination against or victimisation" of any foreigner pursuing education here would not be tolerated.

In a statement in Parliament, Deputy Prime Minister and Education Minister Julia Gillard said she wanted to "send a message loud and clear that international students are very welcome in this nation."

"Australia will not tolerate discrimination against or victimisation of any of our international students," she said.

Her remarks came as Indian student Shravan Kumar, who was stabbed with a screwdriver by a group of teenagers in a weekend attack that also left three of his friends injured, was battling for life in a hospital here with doctors not very optimistic about chances of his recovery.

Earlier today, Foreign Minister Stephen Smith said he was "appalled" by these attacks and that action is being taken.

"As a Foreign Minister, I am appalled by these attacks and I condemn them absolutely," he said in a statement, adding that Australia takes "very seriously" its reputation as a safe destination for Indian students.

"Indian students have faced problems in one particular location in Melbourne. Action is being taken. The police are giving particular focus to this issue. They have launched a police operation specifically to investigate allegations of attacks on students," Smith said.