Indian Students to Hold Peace Rally in Melbourne
Upset with rising racist attacks, the Federation of Indian Students of Australia (FISA) has given a call for a peace rally on Sunday. The rally is “in response to the growing anger in the community”.
The latest “curry bashing”, a term used for such racist beatings, has left one battling for life in the hospital while other is showing recovery from a deep stab injury.
The FISA gave the call for rally following Indian premier Manmohan Singh telephonically discussed the issue with his Australian counterpart Kevin Rudd and asked for all possible steps to ensure security of Indians in Australia.
The FISA, an organization “integrating, empowering and representing” Indian students in Australia, said that the rally would commence on Sunday morning from Royal Melbourne Hospital, where one of the injured student is admitted, and culminate at Victorian Parliament House.
The rally will end with a candle light vigil in support of the victims of the crimes.
“The purpose is to create an awareness about an increasing number of hate crimes within the state and to promote racial harmony and peace,” FISA said in a statement.
At same time, the organization appealed to Australians to extend their support to people belonging to different ethnic backgrounds.
“We encourage all Victorians to show support for residents of all ethnic backgrounds,” the organisation said.
There are over 80,000 Indian students in Australia.
