An eye for an eye?

After almost a month which saw a new habit of attacking Indians grow in Australians, with more that 10 Indians attacked in Australia, came a sign of retaliation from the Indian community. There were reports of an Australian been attacked by Indians. Despite Australia's claims that the attacks arent racist in nature, the figures released by the Police Chief Commissioner tell a sad story. He confirms that the cases of robbery and assault against Indians have increaded by almost 50%.

With the economic slowdown and the job slumber affecting the United States, Australia is emerging as the new hub for education for students from across the spectrum. The number of Indian students in Australia is rising and so is the rate of hate crimes~or whatever you call it. The pride and arrogance in Australian hospitality is down in shambles as constant claims of restoring peace and harmony seem to bear no fruit whatsoever.

The Australian High Commissioner John Mc Carthy says measures are taken to ensure safety of Indians. While he says so, on air, there are live reports of yet another attack! This time a 21 year old slashed with a box-cutter by a group of men on a college campus in Melbourne, the capital of Victoria wheere most of the attacks have taken place. Glory for shame! With the Australian envoy admitting that there may be an element of racism involved and despite his claims of concerted efforts to curb further violence, the very reason and motive are being paid no heed. Mc Carthy reiterates that the attacks are primarily criminal in nature. If they are, isnt it a failure on part of the security systems? With the issue getting pitched in media circles around the globe with stories being reported, told and made round the clock, to comment that these are just routine criminal attacks that need to be checked is something that would put even the BJP to shame!

Had it been criminal, the perpetrators would have been more ruthless. The fact that individual students are being attacked by groups suggest that there is something turning up that aome Australians dont like about Indians. One is the sister-story of the Raj Thackrey episode in Mumbai, with Australians seemingly upset with Indians preparing to settle permanently there. The only problem that might be hindering Indians in Australia is their sheer less number. Give them an opportunity and I am sure they'll show you how they can make you feel proud. Even if the issue isnt racist, it is made into one with all ramblings in the media and irresponsible inaction on part of the Australian government.

With first signs of violent retaliation today, I fear we wont be able to host the next IPL season! It doesnt take more than a sigh to instigate a storm in India!