Attacks on Indians 'regrettable': Rudd

Natasha Chaku
Melbourne, Jan 21 (PTI) Amid allegations of racism in
Australia, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd on Thursday said the
recent attacks on Indian youths were "regrettable" but
insisted that these should be seen in the context of broader
incidences of violence against locals and students of other
ethnic groups.
"Regrettably, there have been some incidents recently,
let's accept that, but let's put it into context, and also in
the context of, let's call it, the broader incidences of
violence to students of other ethnic backgrounds, acts of
violence against Australian students, acts of violence in
particular parts of our large cities at any given time of the
day," Rudd told reporters in Adelaide.
"I think it's important to keep all this into its
context," he said, adding "Obviously these are difficult
matters in India, they are difficult matters in Australia."
Nearly 100 cases of attacks on Indians, mostly
students, were reported in Australia in 2009 as against 17
incidents of assaults in 2008.
"We are working through them in a practical and
effective way over time," Rudd said. About 100,000 Indians
were currently studying in Australia.
"The truth is this: the vast majority of Indian
students in Australia are embraced entirely by the Australian
community, get on with their business of studying hard,
getting their qualifications and going off to do whatever they
want to do with their lives," he added. PTI NC
AHM