AS MANY as 100 Indians, including students, were attacked in Australia in the past year, said a government report tabled in Parliament some weeks ago. The report, which expressed dismay that such incidents continued to take place despite assurances from the Australian government, showed nearly a six- fold increase in attacks. “ The number of Indians attacked in Australia in 2008 was 17. In 2009, 94 Indians were attacked till November 20. A total of 100 attacks on Indians, including students, have been reported in Australia during last year,” the statement said. The attacks led to several protests in Melbourne and Sydney last year. These also forced Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to take up the issue with his Australian counterpart, Kevin Rudd, who promised action. However, such attacks continued unabated. The latest attack took place on Sunday when 21- year- old Nitin Garg was stabbed to death while going to work. “ Reports of some stray incidents of attacks continue to be received from Melbourne,” said the government statement. However, it acknowledged that the attacks had subsided following stricter policing in Victoria and New South Wales, aimed at ensuring the safety and security of Indians. India, though, is still not aware of what action has been taken to nab the accused in all these cases. “ Figures of the exact number of people arrested are not available. However, it is reported that seven people were convicted after being held guilty for some of these attacks,” the statement stated. |