People's Democracy

SFI Organises Protests Against

Racist Attacks In Australia

STUDENTS across the country, under the aegis of SFI, protested against the unabated racist attacks on Indian students in Australia. In Delhi, the protest was held in front of the Australian High Commission at Chanakyapuri.

Students raised slogans against the continued attacks against the Indian students and particularly against the failure of the Australian government to ensure their safety and security. Following the demonstration, a delegation of student leaders comprising SFI president and Lok Sabha member P K Biju, SFI general secretary Ritabrata Banerjee, SFI joint secretary Selva and others met John McCarthy, High Commissioner of Australia to India and submitted a memorandum.

The delegation raised the serious concerns of the student community against the rising spate of attacks targeting the Indians. They also voiced their protest against the manner in which the Australian police suppressed the democratic protests by the Indian students against these attacks. The deputy high commissioner gave a patient hearing to the concerns of the delegation. She responded that the Australian government as well the provincial administration of Victoria-where the maximum attacks have taken place-have taken serious note of these attacks. She also pointed out that a series of measures have been taken in this regard. A Special Task Force has been constituted by the government to investigate these attacks. The Victorian State Police has also increased patrolling in the areas of Melbourne where such attacks have been orchestrated. Also, a Hotline has been established by the police in Hindi whereby students could air their problems much more conveniently.