Rudd Says Attacks on Indians Are ‘Regrettable’

Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has said that the recent attacks on Indian youths are ‘regrettable’, said reports.

Rudd, however, insisted that these attacks should be seen in the context of broader incidences of violence against locals and students of other ethnic groups, said reports.

“Regrettably, there have been some incidents recently, let’s accept that, but let’s put it into context, and also in the context of, let’s call it, the broader incidences of violence to students of other ethnic backgrounds, acts of violence against Australian students, acts of violence in particular parts of our large cities at any given time of the day,” Rudd was quoted as saying while talking to reporters in Adelaide.

“I think it’s important to keep all this into its context,” he was quoted as saying. “Obviously these are difficult matters in India, they are difficult matters in Australia.”

In 2009, as many as 100 cases of violence against Indian students were reported as against 17 reported in 2008.

“We are working through them in a practical and effective way over time,” Rudd was quoted as saying.

It may be mentioned that nearly 100,000 Indians are presently studying in Australia.

“The truth is this: the vast majority of Indian students in Australia are embraced entirely by the Australian community, get on with their business of studying hard, getting their qualifications and going off to do whatever they want to do with their lives,” he added.