‘4 Indians fatally attacked after Rudd’s promise to stop violence’

“All the four incidents took place after the visit of Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd to India in November last year when he reiterated that Australia had a zero-tolerance approach to such violence and committed to take all possible measures to protect Indian students,” Krishna said in reply to a question.

Australian Foreign Affairs Minister Stephen Smith is currently visiting India to hold talks on the issue as well as to know about security preparations for the upcoming Commonwealth Games in October.

Krishna said over 100 Indians were attacked in Australia since May 2009. To another question,he said some of the incidents could have racial overtones. “While we continue to receive reports of sporadic attacks on Indians in Australia,there does not appear to be any evidence to indicate a persistent rise,” Krishna said. However,he said there was a spurt in the number of attacks in January.

The Minister said although government has not dissuaded Indian students from going to Australia,they were advised to take certain basic precautions.

Replying to a separate question in Lok Sabha,Overseas Indian Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi said over 54 arrests have been made and in certain cases sentences have been handed down by the Australian authorities in such incidents.

“Investigations are continuing and more arrests are expected to be made,” he said. Ravi informed that a joint working group has been formed with a view to consider regulation of employment agents and organise pre-departure orientation programme for the students.