The police on Tuesday arrested five members of a mob that targeted a group of Africans in Greater Noida even as officials assured the African community of safety.
The External Affairs Ministry deplored the attack which drew a strong response from the Association of African Students in India.
Since the death of the teenager on Saturday, a series of attacks had targeted Africans in the neighbourhood. Greater Noida’s Superintendent of Police Sujata Singh said the police had helped the injured Africans. “The police rescued them and moved them to a safe place,” she told the media.
However, African students said they feel vulnerable. “Africans are not safe in this country. They are considered cannibals. This is a matter of public perception here,” Samuel Abiye Jack, president of the African Students Association in India said at a press interaction on Tuesday afternoon.
The Association issued a press statement stating that it would write to all the African heads of state on the “barbaric racism” that Africans face in India and calling for a reduction in bilateral trade between the African Union and India.
“We are tired of the appeasement and promises made by the Indian government and therefore, we will be taking stringent actions,” said the Association said.
Following the attack in Ansal Plaza, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj took to social media to assure the African community. “I have spoken to Yogi Adityanathji, Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh about the attack on African students in Greater Noida. He has assured that there will be a fair and impartial investigation into this unfortunate incident,” Ms Swaraj said on her official Twitter handle. Later, Minister of State for External Affairs M.J. Akbar met the Acting High Commissioner of Nigeria and briefed him about the security measures for the protection of African nationals.
The MEA also condemned the incident. “Yesterday’s incident in Greater Noida, in which several people of African origin were injured, is deplorable. The government is committed to ensuring safety and security of all foreigners in India. People from Africa, including students and youth, remain our valued partners,” MEA spokesperson Gopal Baglay said in a statement.
The attack in Greater Noida is a reminder of the summer 2016 attacks on the Africans which included the murder of a Congolese national in Delhi. The incident prompted African diplomats posted in India to skip official celebrations which cast a shadow on India’s ties with Africa.
(With inputs from PTI)
