External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj (left) and Minister of State V K Singh (right)
Amid reports of fresh attacks on African nationals in the capital, even as External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj spoke to Home Minister Rajnath Singh, who directed the Delhi Police to take “strict action”, her deputy, Minister of State V K Singh, accused the media of “blowing up (a) minor scuffle as attack”.
In a series of tweets on Sunday, Swaraj said she had spoken to Rajnath Singh and Delhi Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung to press for ensuring the safety of African nationals.
“I have spoken to Shri Rajnath Singh ji and Lt Governor Delhi reg(arding) attack on African nationals… They assured me that the culprits will be arrested soon and sensitization campaign will be launched in areas where African nationals reside,” tweeted Swaraj.
Condemning the attacks, Rajnath Singh said he had spoken to Delhi Police Commissioner Alok Kumar Verma about the incidents. “Spoke to CP Delhi regarding the incident of physical assault against certain African nationals in New Delhi. Such incidents are condemnable,” he tweeted.
I have spoken to Shri Raj Nath Singh ji and Lt Governor Delhi reg attack on African nationals in South Delhi yesterday.
Condemning the attacks, Rajnath Singh said he had spoken to Delhi Police Commissioner Alok Kumar Verma about the incidents. “Spoke to CP Delhi regarding the incident of physical assault against certain African nationals in New Delhi. Such incidents are condemnable,” he tweeted.
— Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) May 29, 2016
I have asked Gen V.K.Singh MOS and Secretary Amar Sinha to meet #Africanstudents who hv announced demonstration at Jantar Mantar.
— Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) May 29, 2016
Instructed CP Delhi to take strict action against the attackers & increase police patrolling in these areas to ensure security of everyone
— Rajnath Singh (@BJPRajnathSingh) May 29, 2016
But, while the two top Cabinet ministers displayed seriousness in dealing with the situation, V K Singh had a different take. “Had detailed discussion with Delhi Police and found that media blowing up minor scuffle as attack on African nationals in Rajpur Khurd… Why is media doing this? As responsible citizens let us question them and their motives,” he said in a series of tweets.
Also Read: To ensure peace, V K Singh, police chief hold meeting with village representatives
Meanwhile, the government has decided to transport back home the mortal remains of Congolese national Masunda Kitanda Oliver, who was beaten to death on May 20.
The incident had triggered anger among the African countries, with the African envoys threatening to boycott the Africa Day celebrations of the Indian government last week. They later attended the function, after India assured them on the safety of African nationals.
Five held for attacks on African nationals in south Delhi: Police
A week after Oliver’s death, seven African nationals were allegedly attacked in three separate incidents in Rajpur Khurd village, in South Delhi’s Chhatarpur area, on Thursday.
Regarding the latest incidents, police said these were isolated incidents and not “organised attacks”.
