The series of racist attacks on African nationals will only tarnish India’s image of being an ambassador of peace and harmony (“ >Africans reject MEA response, plan protest ”, May 30). Minister of State for External Affairs, Gen. V.K. Singh’s claim, of there being no racial angle, appears to be premature. India has no right to talk about racist attacks unless it initiates a thorough probe into the incidents.
B. Prabha,
Varkala, Kerala
The government cannot treat the safety of Africans as just another law and order issue. The Tourism Ministry is busy trying to sensitise us on the theme of “ Atithi Devo Bhava (Treat the guest like a god)” and we cannot afford to be doing things that harm the campaign. African students bring in valuable foreign exchange. The External Affairs Ministry and Home Ministry should ensure that India’s soft power is not dented by such incidents.
C. Koshy John,
Pune
The attacks on African nationals are a sign of a regressive society. But one waits to see what action will be taken as this is a country which treats its own citizens from Northeast India with equal disdain. Have we forgotten about businesses in Africa that are largely run by Indians and which have prospered without facing local ill-will? When Indian children sweep the ‘Spelling Bee’ contests in the U.S. year after year, the diaspora does not face animus. There should be swift and stern action against those guilty of such crimes, else we will lose face in the comity of nations.
R. Narayanan,
Ghaziabad
If locals have problems with the foreigners, there are ample legal means available to resolve them. Vigilantism does not auger well in a civilised society. The utterances of some Union Ministers that “Africa also is unsafe” lacks sense. Two wrongs cannot make a right. We should realise that many of our people are living and working abroad, and they will face a very sorry situation if there is local ire against them.
K.S. Thampi,
Chennai
India is turning into a nation of angry hate-mongers. “ Atithi Devo Bhava ” is just a mere slogan. There is intolerance and hate against even those from the Northeast. Those from the north are treated differently in the south and vice-versa. The attacks against African nationals will impact India’s global ambitions. For any foreign national, India is hardly considered a second home. Special training on handling racial attacks must be imparted to our police forces, and special officers must be appointed to check hate attacks. Intellectuals, local legislators and senior community members should come together to create an environment of tolerance and acceptance in their respective communities.
Gaurav Singhal,
Rewari, Haryana
