Aus admits racial overtones in attacks, promises action

New Delhi, Sep 25(PTI) Australia Friday admitted that its
image had been affected by a spate of attacks on Indians, some
of which "had racial overtones" and promised to take effective
corrective steps, including increase in jail term for racial
crime.

John Brumby, Premier of Australia's Victoria province
where most of the attacks have been taking place, met Indian
Human Resource Development (HRD) Minister Kapil Sibal,
Overseas Indian Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi and Delhi Chief
Minister Sheila Dikshit, assuring them that his Government was
"doing everything" possible to ensure total safety of Indians
living there.

During the meetings, Brumby was conveyed about India's
concerns over recurring attacks and was asked to take all
necessary steps to improve safety and security of Indians.

"Our image has really been affected by incidents of
attacks on international students. But I would like to make it
abundantly clear that we are doing all our best to protect our
international students," Brumby told reporters.

Admitting that "a small number of cases had racial
overtones", he said the Government has decided to increase
the jail term of those found to be involved in racial attacks.

In his meeting with Brumby, Ravi requested the premier to
provide India a summary of incidents against Indians that had
taken place in Melbourne and the follow up actions by the
Austrailian authorities. Brumby readily agreed to Ravi's
request. MORE PTI