Indians in Oz fear backlash over Ku Klux Klan cartoon

MELBOURNE: Fearing a backlash, the Indian community here have condemned the cartoon in a Delhi newspaper that allegedly depicted a Victoria policeman as a member of hate group Ku Klux Klan and appealed not to associate racism with all crimes on the streets of Australia.

"It (the cartoon) crosses all norms. It is going to seriously damage the fragile relationship. We appeal to Indian government to do something to moderate the behaviour of some section of Indian media," Ravi Bhatia, Chief of Primus Telecom, said.

Community leaders felt it was not going to help anyone and would harm the two sides, especially Indians living in Australia.

"The matter should be left to police and investigating agency to find out the reason of the attack and police and government is putting all its efforts to do so," Bhatia said.

Melbourne witnessed most of the attacks on Indians, including the killing of 21-year-old Nitin Garg last weekend.

Sydney-based cardiologist Yadu Sigh said it was not appropriate to join the bandwagon of racism for the cold-blooded murder without knowing facts and one should think of the Indian community in Australia before drastic comments.

He asked Federation of Indian Students in Australia(FISA) members to have a balanced view and refrain from bringing racial angle without proper basis.