Declining to term the attacks ‘racist’, Tanzanian High Commissioner John W.H. Kijazi on Friday said that racism has numerous interpretations.
Striking a conciliatory note after a two-hour-long meeting with Home Minister G Parameshwara, Mr. Kijazi expressed appreciation for the stern measures taken by the State government following the attack.
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He told reporters, “We have not come to discuss racism. What we should now focus in only on the future and ensure such instances are not repeated. More than racism, there are small frictions between communities – the African students and the locals.” He recommended setting up a system where locals and African nationals meet often and iron out differences.
Partha Satpathy, Joint Secretary (States), Ministry of External Affairs, who was also part of the meeting, said that they had come here to tell the students that the country cares for the security of African students and they are always welcome.
Co-ordination Committee
A co-ordination committee for African students in the city is not a new initiative. The city police formed an African Students Co-ordination Committee (PASCC), headed by additional commissioner (east) P. Harisekharan, following an attack on African students in Kothanur in March 2015.
The State government and the city police showcased this committee to the Ministry of External Affairs delegation and Tanzanian High Commissioner John W.H. Kijazi.
The committee was seen as a major step towards forging peace between the communities and was supposed to meet at least once in each quarter. However, it has met only once since April 2015.
Home Minister G. Parameshwara on Friday said they will henceforth increase the frequency of the meetings.
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