2ND LD INDIANS 2

The matter was taken up with Australian Foreign Minister
Stephen Smith by Indian High Commissioner Sujata Singh, who
has also written to Victorian Premier John Brumby about it.

Indian Consul General in Melbourne Anita Nair too is in
contact with authorities in Victoria, including police. The
officials are also in touch with family members of the victims
who have been assured all assistance by the Consulate.

26-year-old Sukhdip Singh, who had arrived here a month
ago on a spouse visa, his brother Gurdeep Singh and uncle
Mukhtair Singh were attacked by a group of Australians when
they were playing pool in a bar in Epping suburb on Saturday.

"Any violence which does occur and any violence which
is racially motivated is completely unacceptable...and I'll
keep repeating this message as long as I have to get the
message out there," Victorian Premier Brumby, who will
visit India next week, was quoted as saying by local media.

Brumby, however, admitted that some of the events of the
past few months have "damaged our brand and the Australian
brand in India."

"I can only repeat that overall we remain one of the
safest places in the world," he said.

During his India visit, the Premier will also meet
students to encourage them to continue to come to Victoria.

Around 30 Indian students have been attacked by
Australians in various cities in a span of three months.
(More) PTI