Attacks Against Indian Students
in Melbourne, Australia
"There have been most shocking physical attacks against Indian
students in Melbourne, Australia. Some 95, 000 Indian students
now study here, second to China in the number of foreign
nationals studying. Australia intends to attract many more. They
should be able to feel safe and respected. Yesterday’s news
reported what is alleged to have been a peaceful demonstration
waylaid by a small number of anti-social elements".
"In March 2009, this blog recently reported Channel NineMSN’s
exposure of security personnel violence against protesting staff
and disabled clients at SWARA (run by one of the superluminaries
of the Sathya Sai sect, Moyia
O’Brien) in Brisbane. Reports that suggest the
Melbourne protest was derailed by over-reaction of authorities,
brought back eerie reminders of those accounts which a number of
those involved (including those who remain Sathya Sai Baba
devotees) have given".
"... heated debate over whether the attacks were based on racism
or opportunistic, soft-targeting should not be allowed to
obscure the fact that all citizens and visitors alike have ever
right to feel safe".