Students in Milan told not to panic

MINISTER SWARAJ SAYS SHE ’S MONITORING SITUATION AFTER ALLEGED RACIAL ATTACKS

A mid reports of attacks on Indian students in Milan, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj yesterday said she was personally monitoring the situation and asked the students not to worry. The Indian consulate in the Italian city issued an advisory asking students not to panic and to contact the mission in case of such incidents.

The report of the attacks came as Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni was in India on a two-day visit, where he held talks with his counterpart, Narendra Modi, on boosting ties that have seen a marked downswing over recent years.

“Attack on Indian students in Milan: I have got the detailed report. Please do not worry. I am monitoring the situation personally,” Swaraj tweeted.

Swaraj’s remarks came a day after the Indian Consulate in Milan said that it has received reports of attacks and cautioned students to stay away from any area perceived to be of risk.

According to reports, the attacks took place on October 17 and on Monday. Three Indians students were allegedly attacked with bottles of alcohol, in apparent racist attacks. “The Consulate has received reports of unfortunate incident of attacks on the Indian students in Milan. All Indian students are urged not to panic,” the Consulate statement said.

“Students are also requested to report such matters to the Consulate on Consul General’s Cell, 3290884057, immediately,” the Consulate said sharing the helpline number.

Gentiloni was in India on Sunday-Monday in what was the first Italian prime ministerial visit in over a decade, and helped thaw bilateral ties.

The report of the attacks came as Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni was in India on a twoday visit, to boost ties that have seen a marked downswing over recent years.