Women activists expressed dismay and outrage over a 21-year-old Tanzanian female student being beaten and stripped by locals in Bengaluru, and called on the Centre and the Karnataka Government to punish the guilty.
People's Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) activist Kavita Srivastav said, "It seems that we are not only casteist, but racist as well. It is very sad that people can do anything to anyone. I would like to ask for forgiveness that she has to go through all this. The way Tanzanian woman was treated in an uncivilized way, I am pained and sad by the incident. The police have itself become the audience, it is a crime of omission. Each people involved in this should be arrested and punished."
"The amount we criticise the police and the people, it will be less. We talk about 'make in India' but is this 'make in India' only for Caucasians and Chinese and not for black people? I am outraged by what has happened," she added.
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National Commission for Women activist Nirmala Sawant said, "India is a country which is known for hospitality, good relationship and we have good relationship with the Tanzanian people and African countries. Having a discrimination on the basis of race, caste, creed is an offence and unconstitutional. Our image has been tarnished and we want immediate action on this. It is a criminal offense and guilty must be punished."
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"It is very nice to know that the top leadership of congress party, Mr. Rahul Gandhi has taken immediate cognizance of this matter. And also Madam Sushma Ji has given direction to her department to intervene in this matter," she added.
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Meanwhile, the High Commission of Tanzania has sent a Note Verbale about reported attacks on African students in Bangalore. The Note Verbale requests the Government of India to follow up on this matter and take necessary legal action against those involved in such attacks and to ensure safety and security of all African students in India.
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Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi has asked the Karnataka Government for explanation and has asked for a report immediately.
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External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj had also condemned the attack on the Tanzanian student, and asked for stringent punishment for the guilty.
