MPs express concern over attacks on Indians in Australia

NEW DELHI: Members in the Lok Sabha have expressed concern over ‘increasing racial attacks’ on Indians in Australia. Pointing to the assault on taxi driver Li Max in Tasmania’s Hobart, they said it was the latest case of racial attack. More than a week ago, a priest was stabbed while he was celebrating mass in a church in Melbourne.

Opposition members led by KC Venugopal ( Congress) raised the issue during Zero Hour and demanded that the Centre take immediate steps to prevent such attacks on Indians abroad and demanded measures to ensure their safety.

While detailing attacks on two Indians in Australia, Venugopal referred to similar attacks on Indians in other countries such as the United States. The government condemned the incidents and promised the House to take steps to ensure safety of Indians abroad.

Parliamentary affairs minister Ananth Kumar said “it is unfortunate that these things are happening. We are with our citizens and will leave no stone unturned for their security and safety.”

Kumar, terming the incident as a matter of serious concern and added that external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj was in regular touch with the concerned countries at the highest level and in contact with victims and their families.

Last week external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj made a detailed statement in both Houses of Parliament about attacks on Indians in the US and assured that the government has been taking all diplomatic steps to ensure safety of Indians.