African nationals stage protest in Indian capital against attacks

Several African nationals mostly students on Monday staged a protest in Indian capital against the increasing number of attacks on their community members.

The demonstration was held at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi.

"We have gathered to protest the increasing number of racial attacks on our members," said a protester demanding safety and security for the community. "It is a serious issue and the government needs to take a strict action to stop the attacks."

India's foreign ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup said government was trying to reach out to the African community.

"Committed to welfare of our African brothers and sisters," Swarup wrote on twitter. "Ensuring safety and security of foreign students is an article of faith for us."

According to Swarup, India's foreign secretary met a group of African students during the day.

Indian officials have arrested five people over attacks on six Africans.

New Delhi has promised strict action against attackers. The attacks on African nationals in India has strained relations between African countries and India.

India's junior minister for home affairs Kiren Rijiju on Monday told media if racial angle was found in any of the cases of attacks on African nationals, stringent action would be taken.

"Government has taken up the matter seriously and some arrests have already been made," Rijiju told reporters. "Maintaining law and order is government's responsibility and anybody who takes law in his hands would not be spared."

Last week, a Nigerian student was attacked in southern city of Hyderabad.

Prior to that, Congolese national M T Oliva was allegedly beaten to death by a group of men in Indian capital city of New Delhi.

A large number of African nationals are staying in Indian cities mostly pursuing their studies.

In February, a Tanzanian student was assaulted and stripped by a mob in the southern city of Bangalore. Endit