External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Tuesday asked Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Aditya Nath Yogi to immediately intervene in the alleged attack on African students in Greater Noida after an African student asked her for help. “You need to act fast as living for us in Greater Noida is becoming a life threatening issue. With this kind of act, honestly we doubt security for any African coming over here for studies,” Sadiq Bello, an international student of Sharda University tweeted to Sushma.
The Minister responded by saying that the Central Government was taking immediate action and that the UP Chief Minister had assured her of a fair and impartial investigation into this “unfortunate” incident.
“We are taking immediate action. I have spoken to Yogi Adityanath ji, Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, about attack on African students in Greater Noida. He has assured that there will be a fair and impartial investigation into this unfortunate incident,” she said in a series of tweets.
“None of this ever happens to Indians in our country neither are they accused of cannibalism nor any of such… Think how the parents will feel back home. Way we feel when something like this happens abroad,” Bello tweeted.
The External Affairs Minister termed the violence against the African students as “deplorable”. “Yesterday’s incident in Greater Noida, in which several people of African origin were injured, is deplorable. The MEA has spoken to the CM of UP. law enforcement authorities of the district have made arrests and are investigating this matter. They are also taking necessary steps to keep the situation under control. Minister of State for External Affairs MJ Akbar spoke to the Acting High Commissioner of Nigeria and apprised of steps being taken by local authorities for safety and security of Nigerian nationals. The Government is committed to ensuring safety and security of all foreigners in India. People from Africa, including students and youth, remain our valued partners,” said MEA Spokesperson Gopal Baglay.