Attack on Congo student not racist: Sushma Swaraj

New Delhi, May 31 

The attack on Congo student Masunda Kitanda Oliver in city had nothing to do with racism, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said on Tuesday.

“I met a delegation of African students and two leaders and told them the incident is not only unfortunate but also painful. However, I also tried to explain them that the incident was not one of racial discrimination and should not be seen in that context.” 

“Being a mother I can understand the pain of the student’s parents, who lost their son on a foreign soil… The day this incident took place, I sought a report from Lt Governor and was informed that two people have been arrested. CCTV footage clearly shows that Indian citizens present at the site of the accident tried their best to save Oliver,” Swaraj said.

The central government will also talk to African students to assure them of their safety, she said.

“We've chalked out a plan according to which our MoS, along with Secretary, will visit every metro city and hold discussions with African students,” the Minister said.  We will initiate awareness and sensitisation programmes in areas with most African students so such incidents do not recur,” the Minister said.

Her statement comes a day after African students held a protest demanding that the central government halt the increasing “racist” attacks.

A Congo national was beaten to death after an argument over hiring an autorickshaw in the city earlier this month. A few days later, a Nigerian student was beaten up by locals after an argument over parking.

Although police claim these are stray incidents, African students in the country have voiced their concern. — Agencies