Attacks on African nationals: MOS VK Singh calls them 'minor scuffle', stokes controversy

New Delhi: On one hand where External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj is dealing with the cases of assault on African nationals with utmost sensitivity, Union Minister of State for External Affairs General VK Singh on the other hand stoked controversy by calling the attacks 'minor scuffle'.

Reacting to the reports on the incidents, Singh lambasted media and wrote, “Had detailed discussion with Delhi Police and found that media blowing up minor scuffle as attack on African nationals in Rajpur Khurd.”

Had detailed discussion with Delhi Police and found that media blowing up minor scuffle as attack on African nationals in Rajpur Khurd — Vijay Kumar Singh (@Gen_VKSingh) May 29, 2016

Why is media doing this? As responsible citizens let us question them and their motives — Vijay Kumar Singh (@Gen_VKSingh) May 29, 2016

Swaraj today spoke to Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Delhi Lt Governor Najeeb Jung to ensure safety of the community and strict action against the guilty.

The government has also decided to transport the Congolese national's mortal remains to the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The External Affairs Minister said both Singh and Jung assured her that the culprits will be arrested soon.

"I have spoken to Shri Rajnath Singh ji and Lt Governor Delhi reg attack on African nationals in South Delhi yesterday.”

"They assured me that the culprits will be arrested soon and sensitisation campaign will be launched in areas where African nationals reside," Swaraj tweeted.

"I have asked Gen V K Singh, MoS and Secretary Amar Sinha to meet# African students who have announce demonstration at Jantar Mantar," she said in another tweet.

Sinha, Secretary (Economic Relations) in the MEA has been in touch with African community following the attacks.

Envoys of African countries on Thursday had expressed shock over killing of Oliver here last week following which India assured them of safety of African nationals.

(With PTI inputs)