Attack on three youths: India takes up issue with Aussie govt

New Delhi, Sept 16 (PTI) Concerned over the recurring
attacks on its nationals in Australia, India Wednesday took up
the issue with that government and said additional measures
should be put in place at the earliest to prevent recurrence
of such incidents.

"We are concerned at the recurring attacks on Indians
in Australia. The matter was taken up with Foreign Minister
Stephen Smith by our High Commissioner in Canberra today who
has also written to the premier of Victoria," Indian External
Affairs ministry spokesperson Vishnu Prakash told reporters
here.

Following a lull in the attacks, three Indians were
"brutally bashed" on September 12 by a group at a birthday
party in a bar in Melbourne after facing racist remarks.

"As we take note of the assurances given, including
from the highest levels of the government and provincial
authorities of Australia, it is our earnest hope that the
authorities concerned would take all necessary steps towards
the safety and security of Indians in that country," Prakash
said.

Hoping that the latest incident is investigated "with
care and the culprits are dealt with", he said "it would also
help, if various measures being contemplated by the Australian
side, in addition to those already announced, are put in place
at the earliest, to prevent recurrence of such incidents."

India has been informed that police arrested four
persons who have since been released pending further
investigations, he said. (MORE) PTI