India-Australia News and Discussion

Philip · Post by **Philip** » 14 Jan 2010 13:34

To keep on repeating parrot like after every new attack that the attacks are "not racist",that too immediately in the aftermath of the attack even before any meaningful investigation has been done,shows that the Govt. of Oz is sick in the head.Tne gurdwara was deliberately attacked because of the number of Sikhs who have openly protested in India and Oz against Oz's racism.The situ is getting even uglier by the day and if not brought under control asap could explode in India affecting ties severly.

vera_k · Post by **vera_k** » 14 Jan 2010 14:23

Australian bailed over India rifle attack

abhishek_sharma · Post by **abhishek_sharma** » 14 Jan 2010 14:47

Indian student intake in Australia to be monitored

http://beta.thehindu.com/news/national/article80454.ece

Australia is tracking foreign students coming to study amid reports that the number of Indians applying for visas has fallen due to the attacks.

The Australian government will “track the number of students coming to this country, including Indian students”, said Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard.

ramana · Post by **ramana** » 15 Jan 2010 00:25

Is there a victims memorial on-line or any effort to gather names and ages of the victims so far? Might be able to point ot that once in a while.

Can someone volunteer some time to put together a victims roll call , name, age, picture if possible, place in India and Australia?

Google Cache for Names of Indians Killed in Australia 2009 and 2010

At a minimum it tells us they are not forgotten.

ramana · Post by **ramana** » 15 Jan 2010 00:25

abhishek_sharma wrote:Indian student intake in Australia to be monitored

http://beta.thehindu.com/news/national/article80454.ece

Australia is tracking foreign students coming to study amid reports that the number of Indians applying for visas has fallen due to the attacks.

The Australian government will “track the number of students coming to this country, including Indian students”, said Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard.

How about providing some security and deterrent laws to punish hate crimes?

Karan Dixit · Post by **Karan Dixit** » 15 Jan 2010 06:38

It's simple: India doesn't want to see its citizens harmed

http://www.theage.com.au/opinion/politi ... -ma0i.html

Stan_Savljevic · Post by **Stan_Savljevic** » 15 Jan 2010 09:37

Meanwhile, in an exclusive report in 'The Age', Minister of State for External Affairs Shashi Tharoor has pointed out two main areas of concern. He said first, Australia has a crime problem in the suburbs that it must attend to, and second, India was within its rights to speak out when its citizens face danger. "The whole racism issue has really coloured this debate in an unhealthy way, because when our media either seizes on that, or the Australian media in turn respond critically, we are essentially dealing with not black or brown or white, but red herrings," he said.

"We value our relationship with Australia, it's a friendly country... The truth is this is a problem of law and order, one that Australia is dealing with and needs to deal with internally. But it cannot but affect us when our citizens are reported to be suffering," Tharoor added. Tharoor acknowledged the impact that India's 'agitated media' had had on the nation's public by its constant reporting of Australian racism. "Without wanting to exaggerate in any way the extent of this violence, it does worry us how this has become almost a dominant perception of Australia in the minds of so many Indians," he said.

Tharoor was further quoted as saying "For an Indian mother to hear that her son has been assaulted in Australia, it little matters to her whether he was assaulted because of his race, or because he was in the wrong place at the wrong time, or because he was the wrong colour or the wrong height, or was carrying an iPod. She doesn't want her son to be assaulted. It's a very common human feeling and that's essentially what this is all about," he added.

http://news.rediff.com/report/2010/jan/ ... tralia.htm

viveks · Post by **viveks** » 15 Jan 2010 12:11

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/indi ... 447780.cms

'heelaayeele gourment'!!!!

arun · Post by **arun** » 16 Jan 2010 12:38

^^^ That is the minimum acceptable standard of behaviour that one expects from the Australian Government in squelching racism targeting Indian’s.

Now the Australian Government needs to carefully examine this incident to ensure that there is no backsliding from the minimum acceptable standard of behaviour in squelching racism targeting Indian’s that is expected of them:

Australian bar turns away three Indians

Philip · Post by **Philip** » 16 Jan 2010 12:57

The problem with the OZ govt. of the day is that any accusation of racism in the country immediately reopens a very deep wound that has scarcely healed.That of the atrocities that the white settlers/immigrants/convicts perpetrated upon the "Abos",the native indigenous people of that continent.It was even to the extent of stealing Aborigine babies and bringing them in orphanages or with white foster parents.This clear racism that was experienced by the aborigines became a global cause celebre,much to the discomfort of the land of Oz.The scab of the wound has not fully healed and the current racist attacks against Indians brings to mind immediately the long history of racism in Oz,which the white leadership want to wish away.Instead pf confronting their "devils" honestly,the Oz-trich like attitude only makes matters worse,when the attcak on the gurdwara and the setting alight of an Indian has been immediately labelled by the police according to some reports as non-racist and not a crime!

With this attitude,the govt. of Oz seem to be sending a message to the racists,that "curry-bashing" would be treated gently,like naughty adolescents engaging in a spot of harmless mischief.Therefore expect more attacks,more deaths and an inevitable collapse of Indo-Oz relations (we now might have a new enemy to add to the Pakis and Chinese).

Karan Dixit · Post by **Karan Dixit** » 17 Jan 2010 14:00

India has conveyed its "absolute displeasure and concern" to Australia over unabated attacks on Indians there and asked that government to "get its act together" to bring the perpetrators of the assaults to book.

Stating this today, Minister of State for External Affairs Praneet Kaur also termed the latest attack on a cab driver there and the incident of fire in a Gurudwara as unfortunate.

http://www.hindustantimes.com/rssfeed/n ... 97819.aspx

arun · Post by **arun** » 18 Jan 2010 11:57

X Posted. Excerpt dealing with Indo-Australian relations from CNN/IBN interview of our Foreign Secretary Ms. ]Nirupama Rao:

Published on Mon, Jan 18, 2010 at 01:29 ………………….

Karan Thapar: Foreign Secretary, let us start this part with the increasing spate of attacks on Indians in Australia. Are you satisfied with the response of the Australian Government?

Nirupama Rao: We have been in close touch with the Australian Government since these attacks began. And unfortunately there has been a spate of these attacks, violence directed against innocent and hapless, I would say, young Indians who have been the target of such violence. But the Australian Government has been sensitised to our concerns and we have impressed upon them that they need to do more to address the cause of this violence and to bring the perpetrators to book because you need to restore the climate of confidence and security among Indians living in Australia.

Karan Thapar: So, when you say you have impressed upon them the need to do more, that clearly suggests that they were not doing enough.

Nirupama Rao: I would say that the Australian Government has engaged with us closely in the wake of the attacks and there has been a continuing dialogue and communication. As you know, we have a good relationship with Australia. From the Australian side it is often defined as excellent, and we have shared that assessment. But we must not let these events cast a shadow on the relationship.

Karan Thapar: Let me quote to you the Indian Minister for Overseas Affairs Vayalar Ravi speaking on the 9th of this month. He says, “Why can’t they arrest them and put them behind bars and prosecute them? It is very unfortunate that things are not moving as they promised. It is very disturbing for all of us in the Government”. Clearly, Mr. Ravi feels that the Australians are not doing enough.

Nirupama Rao: I think there is legitimate concern and the Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs has expressed that legitimate sense of concern that we feel.

Karan Thapar: The MEA shares that concern?

Nirupama Rao: Obviously we share the concern in regard to a situation where our citizens are being attacked.

Karan Thapar: The Indian press are particularly concerned that the Australian Government is reluctant to accept that racism could be a substantive motive or cause behind these attacks. What is your assessment? What is the Government’s view? Is racism a factor?

Nirupama Rao: Let us look at the situation. You have had one community targeted. You have had persons belonging to one community targeted. And these attacks have kept occurring. There has been a certain pattern of these attacks. What the Australians tell us is that you could attribute this to urban violence, opportunistic violence, but that racism could also be an element in this. So, let us see. The investigations are going on. But we are concerned that it is just this one community that has been targeted.

Karan Thapar: Twice or thrice you have said that there is just one community that has been targeted and the attacks keep happening. Yet, your Ministry has advised the Indian press to exercise restraint. Do you believe that their coverage has been exaggerated or unbalanced?

Nirupama Rao: Let me say that the media feels the pulse of the people definitely and the people of India are concerned about the attacks that have happened in Australia. Having said that, I would also like to add that you have to place every reaction you make in the larger context. And there is a very large number of Indians who live in Australia, who made Australia their home over the decades. And you must ensure that while you must report without fear or favour, your responses, your assessments have to be calibrated and measured to the extent possible.

Karan Thapar: In other words, the press should keep things in context.

Nirupama Rao: In context, yes. ………………………….

CNN – IBN

Philip · Post by **Philip** » 18 Jan 2010 12:37

More than the protestations of our MEA and FM about the racist attacks,the marketplace is determining Oz's future as a "safe" destination for students,not just from India.BBC news reports show that there has been a dramatic decrease in student applications to Oz,espcially fom India,and that many other countries are making full use of Oz's disgrace by ads saying that they're "safe" (Singapore) for students.Canada,the UK,US,etc. are benefiting from Oz's inaction and an Indian student was interviewed who returned without completing his course on his parent's advice.AS more attacks happen without any apparent action,the exodus will continue.Water (and blood) as they say will find its own level.

Neshant · Post by **Neshant** » 18 Jan 2010 13:29

Sounds like MEA is doing little / nothing so as not to interfear with the internal affairs of Australia despite the people being attacked being Indian citizens.

Expect the attacks to continue. Best thing you can do is don't go to Australia. If you are already there, learn some self-defence and be vigilant.

ramana · Post by **ramana** » 19 Jan 2010 11:13

What is Indian population in AUSTRALIA?

negi · Post by **negi** » 19 Jan 2010 11:31

Indian in Australia accused of raping model

Check the comments .

Stan_Savljevic · Post by **Stan_Savljevic** » 19 Jan 2010 12:09

ramana wrote:What is Indian population in AUSTRALIA?

There is a rapidly growing Indian community of about 234,000 in Australia (2006 Census), which is contributing significantly to the Australian economy as teachers, doctors, accountants, engineers and I.T. engineers. India is now the third largest source of immigrants to Australia, after UK and New Zealand.

http://www.hcindia-au.org/indian_in_australia.html

ramana · Post by **ramana** » 19 Jan 2010 23:28

Thanks Stan.

Looks like Aussie need more immigration to make them aware of cultural diversity.

Stan_Savljevic · Post by **Stan_Savljevic** » 19 Jan 2010 23:34

The last five to ten years has seen significant increase in Indian numbers. In another ten years or so, hope for a Rio Tinto deal and Uranium to be shipped to the nuke facilities while the aussies cook their coal in the chulhas and buy carbon credit by trading raw materials for comparably clean tech to developing countries. The labor govt has to go, Kevin Ruud has only his fortune to thank in seeing an even-further divided opposition. At the same time, also note the silent revolution in the power sector in India, India is linking the power networks with BD, nepal, bhutan and Sri lanka. Slowly, an Indian subcontinent power network is arising minus Af-pak, gives more bargaining power for carbon credit.

SSridhar · Post by **SSridhar** » 20 Jan 2010 10:12

Australia hopes to kickstart Free Trade talks with India

Australia has expressed the hope that the process for finalising a Free Trade Agreement between India and Australia will be set in motion in May.

During fiscal 2008-09, India was Australia's fastest growing trade partner, with two-way trade up 55 per cent at $21.7 billion, which is expected to see a manifold jump when the FTA has been firmed up.

Avinash R · Post by **Avinash R** » 20 Jan 2010 10:21

Crime against Indians an old problem: Victoria police chief

Melbourne, Jan 20 (PTI) Victoria's top cop today said crime against Indians was a problem which was noticed by police two years ago.

Indians are over-represented in robbery statistics and there is a racist element to some attacks, Chief Commissioner Simon Overland said, according to media reports here.

"There is no question, regardless of the motives, Indian students have to a degree been targeted in robberies and that is not okay," he said.

"We recognised this problem a long time before it hit the public.

We have known for two years that there has been this issue and we have been working away, at a number of levels around engaging with students, trying to make them understand the risks and how they keep themselves safe.

archan · Post by **archan** » 20 Jan 2010 10:24

Karan Dixit wrote:It's simple: India doesn't want to see its citizens harmed

http://www.theage.com.au/opinion/politi ... -ma0i.html

India's growing confidence as an emerging superpower is on display. It will not tolerate its citizens being pushed around and it will not be shy in saying so. And Australia, whether it likes it or not, carries much racial baggage.

The White Australia policy may have ended more than 30 years ago, but it casts a very long shadow. Historically speaking, Pauline Hanson and the Cronulla riots are fresh incidents hitting an old nerve.

archan · Post by **archan** » 20 Jan 2010 10:26

arun wrote:^^^ That is the minimum acceptable standard of behaviour that one expects from the Australian Government in squelching racism targeting Indian’s.

Now the Australian Government needs to carefully examine this incident to ensure that there is no backsliding from the minimum acceptable standard of behaviour in squelching racism targeting Indian’s that is expected of them:

Australian bar turns away three Indians

So is this going to get like America of the 50s and 60s? If India keeps up its growth, we shall see how much of this arrogance remains in another 10 years.

arnab · Post by **arnab** » 20 Jan 2010 10:33

archan wrote:
So is this going to get like America of the 50s and 60s? If India keeps up its growth, we shall see how much of this arrogance remains in another 10 years.

http://www.news.com.au/national/cops-kn ... 5821527448

Cops 'knew about crimes against Indians two years ago'

We knew crimes were racist, says Overland

Indians over-represented in robbery statistics

Police tried to get Indians to change behaviour

Rudradev · Post by **Rudradev** » 20 Jan 2010 11:35

For all those jingoes thinking that an appropriate retaliation to the spate of racist attacks against Indians in Australia is that Indians should stop going to Australia, I have two words. New Jersey.

We frigging OWN New Jersey today. It is one of the wealthiest states in the US and much of that wealth is generated by us. Politicians in NJ fall over each other to win the crucial backing of the Indian community there. But it wasn't always that way.

Anybody remember the Dotbusters?

From the Wikipedia Article about them:

Dotbusters was a street gang in Jersey City, New Jersey that attacked and threatened South Asians in the fall of 1987. The name originated from the fact that traditional Hindu women and girls wear a bindi on their forehead.

In July 1987, a Jersey City gang who called themselves the "Dotbusters" published a letter in the newspaper stating that they would take any means necessary to drive the Indians out of Jersey City:

"I'm writing about your article during July about the abuse of Indian People. Well I'm here to state the other side. I hate them, if you had to live near them you would also. We are an organization called dot busters. We have been around for 2 years. We will go to any extreme to get Indians to move out of Jersey City. If I'm walking down the street and I see a Hindu and the setting is right, I will hit him or her. We plan some of our most extreme attacks such as breaking windows, breaking car windows, and crashing family parties. We use the phone books and look up the name Patel. Have you seen how many of them there are? Do you even live in Jersey City? Do you walk down Central avenue and experience what its like to be near them: we have and we just don't want it anymore. You said that they will have to start protecting themselves because the police cannot always be there. They will never do anything. They are a week [sic] race Physically and mentally. We are going to continue our way. We will never be stopped."[1]

Numerous racial incidents from vandalism to assault followed. Later that month, the Dotbusters used bricks to bludgeon and beat Navroze Mody, an Indian man, into a coma, after he had left the Gold Coast Cafe with his friend. Mody died four days later. A few days after the attack on Mody, another Indian was beaten into a coma; this time on a busy street corner in Jersey City Heights. The victim, Kaushal Saran, 28, was found unconscious at Central and Ferry Avenues, near a city park and firehouse, according to police reports. Saran, a licensed physician in India who was awaiting licensing in the United States, was discharged later from University Hospital in Newark.[2]

The gang was primarily based in New York and New Jersey and committed most of their crimes in Jersey City, New Jersey. Numerous young men and women were attacked and harassed near the Central Ave, Jersey City Heights area during the period of 1987–1993 by the gang who many say was based out of a Hopkins Ave, Jersey City home. Details are somewhat clouded on whom and what the gang actually went after, but numerous accounts of homes being robbed and men being attacked in the middle of night have been recorded. Up until 1989, it seemed like a one-way battle until small groups of South Asians began to fight back physically all over the state and outlying boroughs of New York. A number of perpetrators have been brought to trial for these assaults. Although tougher anti-hate crime laws were passed by the New Jersey legislature in 1990, the attacks continued, with 58 cases of hate crimes against Indians in New Jersey reported in 1991.[1]

These incidents were a severe blow to the Indian immigrant community and jarred it into taking serious political action. While the violence seemed to be aimed at the Hindu community, where the wearing of the bindi is most common, it is believed that the Dotbusters' actions were based on racial grounds, aimed indiscriminately at South Asian immigrants. A group called Indian Youth Against Racism (IYAR, which was later changed to Youth Against Racism, YAR) based at Columbia University documented instances of violence against Indians in New Jersey and helped implement a series of educational programs on South Asian cultures for students and faculty at a Jersey City high school. The group also helped get a bill passed in the New Jersey legislature that raised the mandatory penalties for "bias crimes."[1]

It is a tough time for Indians who have decided to make Australia their home or their place of study, no question.

But their suffering is no different from what every section of the Indian diaspora has gone through, at a particular stage when its population was rapidly burgeoning in the host country. Those who went before have gone through much worse: lynching of Sikhs was common in California and Western Canada in the early-to-mid twentieth century, and you can bet there was no such thing as a "hatecrime legislation" then.

It is a rite of passage for every Indian immigrant community, a stage in its growth when the locals decide that there are suddenly "too many" of us and try to force us out by threat of physical violence. How we respond then determines the future of our community in that place. Standing up and fighting back, through legal mechanisms and also in kind, is eventually what earns respect. That is eventually what convinces the locals that we are here to stay and they can't do shit about it, so they'd better accommodate us before we outnumber them.

There is no action the GOI could take, that would accomplish the same goal. The relative status of India on the world stage doesn't matter either... where was India in 1991, when things began to turn around for us in New Jersey? For that matter, where was India in 1891 when Sikh migrants arrived in Northern California and British Columbia?

Neither does "assimilation" matter very much. For every Indian in NJ who has "assimilated", speaking in American idioms and eating potato skins at sports bars with his white friends, there are MANY who bindass fart/belch in public, eat dal-rice, socialize mainly with other Indians and drive around listening to Hindi Film songs on their car stereos at full volume.

But NJ is ours. Not because we learned to behave as Romans in Rome, or began to "act white". NJ is ours, on our OWN fu(king terms.

It is for the Indians in Australia to organize and fight back, with lawsuits and public protests and if necessary, bricks and knives. After all they number nearly a quarter of a million in total... and besides, nobody else can do it for them.

VikramS · Post by **VikramS** » 20 Jan 2010 13:03

I think every Indian going to Oz to study should spend at least a week getting basic self-defense training. I am not sure what the rules regarding side-arms are in Oz, but it would not hurt if at least a few Indians start carrying them.

Added later: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gun_politics_in_Australia
You can have a licensed handgun as long as you have a valid reason (self-defense is not considered one).

The one universal fact about bullies is that at heart they are cowards. If a few Indians can strike a few blows when attacked and the message of not messing with them starts spreading, the acts will dissipate soon.

Philip · Post by **Philip** » 20 Jan 2010 13:39

Racism "strongly evident",says ex-Gen.Cosgrove,"shooting from th hip" and contradicting his govt's pathetic attitude to the anti-Indian attacks.3 Cheers to the general for speaking out so boldly.

You'd be mad not to suspect racism: Ex-Oz General
Wednesday, January 20, 2010,10:11 [IST]
Attacks on Indians are racist - Australian general

Canberra, Jan 20: Contradicting the Canberra officials' stance in the attack on Indian students, Australia's former military chief has said that the attacks are racially motivated.

"If you didn't suspect a racial strand you'd be mad," high-profile former general Peter Cosgrove said in a newspaper report.

Cosgrove said that instead of labeling the attacks as purely criminal, it would be better to look at it from the racial point of view.

"Attacks recently by groups of people on individuals looks like a profiling approach to people from the sub-continent. Rather than say 'nothing to worry about', I'd rather look more closely," he added.

Refuting the police and the government declaration of the crime as purely criminal, Cosgrove said that the racial element was too strong to dismiss.

With reference to the previous racial violence in Australia which took place in 2005 between gangs of ethnic Lebanese and anglo youths, he said that the episode highlighted the strong existence of racism.

"It was so unusual and unexpected, it reverberated around the world. It was unexpected because Australia's reputation was that of an egalitarian and multi-ethnic society; tolerant, cheerful and relaxed. December 2005 gave us pause for thought," he said.

Speaking strongly against racism, Cosgrove said that hidden racism should be abhorred and should neither be allowed to fester nor affect the immigration.

"The vast majority of Australians, totally rejecting any such despicable behavior, will welcome the apprehension of the perpetrators," he said.

OneIndia News

http://news.oneindia.in/2010/01/20/youd ... neral.html

mmasand · Post by **mmasand** » 20 Jan 2010 14:00

Can't carry arms...if you get caught with one, pack ur bags,coz u will be deported.as far guns go,once again temporary residents (students) are not allowed to own them although they can attain a license(which is a whopping $600 odd a yr).

As far as NJ goes,it was possible THEN,unfortunately we are spkg about students who just want to get their qualification and quietly settle in without trouble.There are a few who will make a halla bout it.Visa restrictions are too tight to get involved legally.

vina · Post by **vina** » 20 Jan 2010 14:16

Rudradev wrote:New Jersey today. It is one of the wealthiest states in the US

Well, a nice piece Rudradev. Agree with all that you said in it. The quibble is really the description and adjectives for New Jersey.

For folks from across the river in the big apple, New Jersey conjures up the image of a giant Superfund site, rather than "one of the wealthiest states in the US". Just mention the word "Edgewater" NJ , in polite company, especially to the folks across the Hudson who live in the upper west side along the Riverside park, from roughly 50th st upwards where they can see it ,the look on their faces would be a pretty sight to see.

A little bit OT I agree. But just mention Raritan if you want to see stronger reactions!.

vish_mulay · Post by **vish_mulay** » 21 Jan 2010 10:29

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/co ... 5821809026

Australian National University counter-terrorism expert Clive Williams yesterday said the two most likely threats were from Kashmiri separatist groups wishing to embarrass India, and from militants targeting athletes from countries such as Canada, Australia and Britain, with troops in Afghanistan.

"In the 2001 attack on (Delhi's national) parliament, (terrorists) had passes from the Interior Ministry and parliament, and wore military uniforms," Dr Williams said. "They may well have inside support again, and if they're wearing military or police uniforms and driving a military-style vehicle those kinds of circumstances would be very difficult to deal with."

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/ ... 5817649511

AUSTRALIAN athletes should all be asking themselves one simple question today: Is a Commonwealth Games gold medal worth risking your life for?

A leading security consultant said "absolutely not" when asked if he would be prepared to send his children to New Delhi for the Games in October.

Check out the psych op. Honestly should Aussies be concern about this when Aussies themselves cant even provide basic security within their own borders?

Rudradev · Post by **Rudradev** » 21 Jan 2010 10:50

vina wrote:
For folks from across the river in the big apple, New Jersey conjures up the image of a giant Superfund site, rather than "one of the wealthiest states in the US". Just mention the word "Edgewater" NJ , in polite company, especially to the folks across the Hudson who live in the upper west side along the Riverside park, from roughly 50th st upwards where they can see it ,the look on their faces would be a pretty sight to see.

A little bit OT I agree. But just mention Raritan if you want to see stronger reactions!.

I know

I used to live on the far side of the big apple myself. Newark, of course, is no gem either. For that matter have you seen Harrison?

Yes, the areas of NJ lying immediately outside NYC are mostly an eyesore. Still, all in all New Jersey has the second highest per-capita GDP of $50,919, among US states. In total GDP it's seventh on the list, with the richer states all substantially more populous as well.

Rudradev · Post by **Rudradev** » 21 Jan 2010 11:04

mmasand wrote:
As far as NJ goes,it was possible THEN,unfortunately we are spkg about students who just want to get their qualification and quietly settle in without trouble.There are a few who will make a halla bout it.Visa restrictions are too tight to get involved legally.

Masandji,

What was possible for Indians in NJ in 1991 that is not possible for Indians in Australia right now?

It's not just about students. That's the whole point. We Indians, more than many other races or nationalities, tend not to see an attack on one of us as an attack on the whole community. Much of the time we are the "quietly settling in" type who do not want to get involved even when another one of our people is getting beaten to death... and we will go to great lengths to avoid conceiving of such incidents as a communal affront, justifying it even within our own minds by rationalization. So reluctant, even fearful, are we of rocking the boat.

My own friends who are NRIs and PIOs in Oz, who have been there a long time and are semi-"assimilated", were initially dismissive about the phenomenon of assaults against Indian students. They trotted out all the commonly heard justifications, including those parroted by the Australian officials: Indian media is making a big deal of nothing, they were only muggings and not racially motivated, but at the same time Indians should learn to behave themselves and act more "Australian" etc. It's a very ostrich-like attitude, born of not wanting to face the reality that something similar might happen to them the next night.

What needs to happen is for the entire Indian community in Australia... from political aspirants to doctors/lawyers/techies to taxi drivers and waiters... to decide that these attacks are just not acceptable, even if they happen mainly to "students", and rally around with their resources and time and energy to put a stop to it by all necessary means. And stick with it without being bought off or scared away. One student fearful of his visa status can do next to nothing; what can 234,000 Indians do?

The GOI can do little about the plight of these fellow Indians who go to school in Australia, and NRI communities in other countries can do even less, however much we may sympathize. Ultimately what happens to Indians in Australia... whether they turn out like the Indians of NJ or become terminal victims like the Indians of Malaysia... depends on the unity and resolve of Indian-Australians themselves.

NRao · Post by **NRao** » 21 Jan 2010 11:04

Aussieban!!!

vish_mulay · Post by **vish_mulay** » 22 Jan 2010 06:38

http://www.smh.com.au/national/two-indi ... -mp77.html

Two more attacks on Indian nationals.

krishnan · Post by **krishnan** » 22 Jan 2010 10:54

Just curious as to whether chinese have anything to do with these attacks

g.sarkar · Post by **g.sarkar** » 23 Jan 2010 23:17

More of the same:
"Bashing Indians may soon be national sport of Australia"
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/new ... 490337.cms
"Two charged over attack on Indian in Brisbane"
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/indi ... 491261.cms
"Now listen here India"
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/opinion/now ... 5820585643
"Australia condemns latest attacks against Indians"
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/ar ... WnM5jC2ZbQ
"Indian cabbie 'assaulted for $6 fare'
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/na ... 5822703452
Gautam

CRamS · Post by **CRamS** » 23 Jan 2010 23:36

Rudradev:

Boss, with all due respect you are exaggarating Indian "power" in NJ. NJ was my home for over a decade until very recently, and due to economic downturn, I had to move west in serach of gold and survival

. Now, as a Hindustani living in US, there is no better place than NJ, you can live a Hindustani lifestyle with first world living standards

. Man, I miss NJ, as I do the east coast in general: NY/Boston/Phily/DC etc.

.

That said, to suggest Indians own NJ is a stretch. Sure, politicians do court Indians (or Soth Asians as they say in radio Ads), but in terms of political power, except for a few here and there, Upendra Chivukula (and he gets slected more on the strenght of Hispanic vote, his wife is Cuban) comes to mind, who else can you think of? Of course, no doubt politicians, including perverts like former NJ governer McGreevey come and ego massage Indians for campaign contributions, Frank Pallone has been a loyal India supporter, but Indians hardly wield any power. Plus, an average gora in NJ, depsite so many 1000s of Indians, is as ignorant and contemptuous of Indians as any gora would be in say Sarah Palin country. The bulk of "Indian ownership" of NJ as you put it, is confined to a few blocks near Oak Tree road in Edison, and a block and a half near Kennedey ave in Jersy city. And goras avoid those areas like plauge; just witness the harshness with which cops treat any traffic violation or minor misdemeanour by Indians in those areas. And last but not the least, every now and then, if local talk show hosts need a rating boost, the answer is, you guessed it, some Indian bashing about how dirty and chaotic Oak tree road is etc. Bottom line: there may be no lynching of Indians like in ozzie land, but saying Indians own NJ is a huge stretch by any objective standard.

harbans · Post by **harbans** » 23 Jan 2010 23:41

FOI suggests police underrated Indian student attacks

Surya · Post by **Surya** » 24 Jan 2010 00:22

I agree with CRam

Stan_Savljevic · Post by **Stan_Savljevic** » 24 Jan 2010 07:22

Support for Australian republic drops

The poll, conducted during Prince William's tour, also found more than half of Australians consider the nation to be racist, ...

http://au.news.yahoo.com/a/-/latest/671 ... lic-drops/