With the issue of attack on African nationals grabbing headlines, some property dealers in Malviya Nagar and Khirki Extension have refused to give accommodations to Africans. “Although I don’t have problem if they live in this area but I have told my subordinates not to entertain Africans,” said a property dealers in Malviya Nagar on the condition of anonymity.
Besides, local property dealers in Khirki Extension said a large number of Africans living in rented houses has left the locality, shifting to Kishangarh, Vasantkunj and Rajpur Khurd areas in the national Capital.
The alleged migration from the locality started after incidents of attacks have been reported in the city, said locals. It is understood that many local residents are not happy with the lifestyle of the African nationals living in their localities.
Khirki Extension resident Mohmmad Hashmi, a student at Aurbindo college and a neighbour of Africans, said there was the time when this place chock-a-block with Nigerians. “Nobody has problem if they live here but sometimes there lifestyle creates problem. For instance - African women go out late in the night and create ruckus in residential areas,” said Hashmi.
Many African nationals are deeply upset with increasing attacks on them.
Aaroon, a student from South Africa, who resides in Vasant Kunj told The Pioneer, “Africans are quite often teased. locals make fun of our hairstyle and sometime pass dirty remarks on women. I have tried many times to file report against such people in Vasant Kunj police station but with little success. Actually after interacting with the villagers, police get convinced with them.” Aaroon, who is pursuing Bachelors of Business Administration from a private university, moved to Vasant Kunj from Khirki Extension two years ago. Many African students like him come to India for professional degrees while some of them land up with jobs in the Embassies and High Commissions of African countries.
Ismael Nagoma, from the Republic of Congo (Congo -Brazzaville) and a student, said like Indians or other nationalists, Congo students too have aspirations to get good jobs.
“Many times we are afraid of filing complaints against the locals. We do not want to spoil our career by getting into long legal procedures with police,” said Nagoma, adding that one cannot imagine how tough it is for us to get visa.
At the time when African are scared from attacks by locals, an African professional Hugo Bose in Malviya Nagar said three years ago when he came to India, he had received a warm welcome by his batchmates. “Circumstances have changed now. Indians are not bad. I am working with Indians and they appreciate my work. India is my second home,” said Bose, who is working as video editor in a production house.
