Sir — At a time when Indians have faced hate crimes in the US, Australia and also in New Zealand, and the Government is pressured to ensure the safety of Indians abroad, the attacks on Nigerian students in Greater Noida must turn the mirror inwards.
India’s racism is an open secret. Nevertheless, it is shocking that this happened at the very heart of the country. All of this does not paint a very bright picture of a young and modern nation. India is a preferred education destination for many African countries since they find educational standards to be good here. Fees too are affordable.
A racist attack must not be allowed to settle comfortably into the identity of just another incident of road-rage. A responsive police and legal apparatus is crucial for securing the rights of the visitors from Africa.
It is heartening that Union External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj took cognisance of the tweets by the distressed students and raised the issue with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Adityanath Yogi.