Fear in the air, race cloud over NCR
African nationals say they are living in fear, claim no protection provided even after attack but vow not to be bullied by violence
African students living in Greater Noida say they face daily prejudice and are living in fear after two days of violence targeted at them following the mysterious death of a local youth.
The students — who hail from various nations in Africa — allege political pressure behind the attacks amid rising tension between locals and foreigners.
“We come to India to live in peace but we will not be bullied by force or violence. The need of the hour is for African students to unite against this blatant racism,” said Lawrence, a Nigerian national.
The violence broke out on Sunday after a Class 12 student Manish Khari died because of a suspected drug overdose. Locals alleged that Africans living in the area had plied the youth with drugs and attacked two Nigerians on Sunday night. Police held five Africans but released them later because of a lack of proof.
A day later, a protest march by residents turned violent as people assaulted several Africans at Greater Noida’s busy Pari Chowk. Rumours startled swirling that residents had abducted a Nigerian woman — a speculation denied by police. The violence has left Africans rattled.
“We have been living in a sense of fear as there is no protection for us even after the attack,” said Bukola, a commerce student at IEC college.
Lawrence said the attacks were well planned. “We assembled at Kasna Police station on Monday morning demanding the release of two students who were arrested without proper probe. As soon as the duo got bail and we left the spot, several African nationals were attacked by the local people,” said Lawrence.
The Association of African Students in India have condemned the attack on African nationals and asked the central government to ensure that the community got protection in the national capital region.
Over 4,000 Africans stay in Greater Noida and study in a clutch of private universities and colleges in the area. Many of them say they feel uncomfortable at the hostile attitude of locals, who see the Africans as the source of crime and drugs.
“We have decided to drop our protest against racist attacks. Future course of action will be decided soon,” said Bukola.