New Delhi: BJP on Monday described as "ridiculous
and outlandish" a top Australian police officer's suggestion
that Indians living there should look visibly poor and said
some strong measures should be taken by the government to send
across a message.
"The statement made by the Victorian Police Commissioner is
ridiculous and outlandish. With a deep sense of pain and
concern BJP would like to ask whether Australia as a nation
subscribes to such statements which has undoubtedly shaken up
the international community," BJP spokesperson Rajiv Pratap
Rudy said.
Police Commissioner of Victoria, Simon Overland has advised
Indian students living in Australia to keep a low
profile and "try to look as poor as you can" to avoid attacks.
Rudy wondered if the Australian law and order system had
"collapsed completely" compelling the authorities there to
make such "bizarre remarks".
He lamented that throughout this crisis where several
Indians living in Australia have been attacked, the response
of the Indian Government has been extremely "lackadaisical and
disappointing".
Another BJP spokesperson Prakash Javadekar maintained that
some elements in Australia "look at Indians living there with
hatred".
"They have racist tendencies. India needs to take some
strong measures to send across a message," he added.
PTI
First Published: Monday, February 08, 2010, 20:52