Sushmita Shrivastava: It's true that Indians are being victimized abroad but not so much as they are in their own countries. Indians are most intolerant people in the world and we are divided on lines of state, religion, caste, language etc. We are separatists and target and even kill people belonging to a different state or religion etc.
In foreign countries Indians are on the whole more secure and safe compared to their own country. When Indians are targeted in foreign countries it becomes the headlines of newspapers. But when they are murdered in their own country, no one pays much attention. So many Indians are living abroad and leading life of luxury. People of foreign countries are tolerating Indians. But, in India we do not tolerate even our fellow countrymen belonging to a different state. We think that it is our right to live in foreign countries and do the jobs there and even cheat the governments of those countries. But, do we allow a foreigner to live and work here? We believe the foreigners should come here, spend dollars, and leave after being looted by us.
Ravindra
Soni: Indians being victimized abroad is not a new subject.
From the days of Mahatma Gandhi they are being victimized.
In a recent incident in Kuala Lumpur twenty-six ethnic Indians
have been charged with attempted murder in connection with
an anti-discrimination rally in Malaysia. These victims
pleaded innocent to charges of attempting to kill a police
officer during a clash at a temple compound outside Kuala
Lumpur on Nov 25. The Malaysian authorities are bringing
forth a malicious prosecution that is race based. It is
quite doubtful that Indians will ever get justice.
Malaysia is not just an example but the same scenario is prevailing in countries like America, UK, Canada and Australia. But I firmly believe that gradually this victimization would decrease. I have reasons to believe this. Earlier, we faced discrimination just because of our poverty and so called backwardness. But with India becoming economic power and a large talent pool the entire world is looking at us.
SS
Chitwadgi: "Abroad" makes a broad meaning which includes
every country other than India. "Victimized" is also a word
with broader concept. It is my personal experience to say
"NO" in English speaking or English knowing countries, especially
wherever the British ruled. Even in commonwealth countries
there are stray incidents of victimization of Indians. Indians
are mostly victimized in Islamic countries but not in all
Islamic countries for example Kuwait and other countries
like Dubai etc treat Indians well. The Kuwait Airport was
built by Indian Engineers. Likewise African countries where
in use Indians are generally not victimized except in rare
cases in central Africa, viz Uganda and Sudan.
In America Canada has a unique culture where Indians enjoy all the rights of statehood as Canadians but in the US higher echelons of society have status compared to other Americans. In South America where Indians have not much access cases of victimizations don't arise.
In South Asia Indians also enjoy a status. Thailand is almost like India. So "Abroad" and "Victimized" are terms which cannot be precisely defined. To add I happened to experience personally many countries abroad and the above is expressed on the basis of experiences abroad.
Syed
Zia Ul Hasan Naqvi: We have misconception that we are
living in a civilized and cultured world. In fact, we are
living in a society which is worse than the society of barbarian
age.
During the barbarian age people indulged in criminal acts on account of their ignorance. But, nowadays in spite of literacy and knowledge people are committing criminal acts which are very serious and opprobrious.
It is true that the people of Indian origin settled abroad are victimized there by the indigenous people. There are a number of instances on the basis of which we can say very firmly that the people of Indian origin are not treated alike with the natives in foreign countries.
As we know at the time of partition of our country many persons migrated to newly formed Pakistan but even today these persons are called 'Muhajir' (displaced persons) instead of Pakistani and these persons are discriminated there in every sphere of life by the natives. In Uganda also people of Indian origin were badly treated by the natives and were forced by Idi Amin to leave the country. In the same way, in Fiji Indians were harassed and humiliated by the natives. Recently in Malaysia people of Indian origin were treated badly when they protested against atrocities on them. All over the world there are many such cases, where Indians were the victims.
Vivek
Maheshwari: There is no doubt that rights of Malay Hindus
and Indians elsewhere are being violated. This victimization
is because of two main reasons. All over the world despite
going as workers, Indians have become the most prosperous
community. This is not being tolerated by original inhabitants
of those countries as they have lagged behind in prosperity.
Second problem is of the making of Indians only. We Indians want to maintain our separate cultural identity and have equal rights at the same time. Every country in the world, covertly or overtly, gives preference to the people who follow its mainstream culture. It's only India, which gives privileges to the people who want to maintain a distinct cultural identity. In today's divisive atmosphere, this can create problems for the unity of any country. And every country gives preference to its unity and integrity except India. Even otherwise most Indians go abroad to make more and more money, which they do too. Then how and why they can complain?
Omprakash
Sharma: Victimization of Indians abroad is a reality.
Several incidents have proved this fact that Indians are
facing lot of trouble on race-based behaviour by governments
in UK, Malaysia, Australia, Afghanistan and Bangladesh.
Recently in Malaysia 26 innocent ethnic Indians were charged
with attempt to murder when they were protesting discrimination
laws of Malaysia. The innocent ethnic Indians were demanding
equality and fair treatment in Muslim-majority Malaysia.
This type of discrimination to Indians abroad on grounds
of race should not be tolerated by our government. We have
a tradition of peace and brotherhood and always have chummy
relations with our neighbouring countries. We never discriminate
the foreign origin people in India. We believe in world
peace so why should we tolerate such type of behaviour to
Indians abroad?
We saw the case of Dr Mohd Hanif in Australia some months back. Is it not victimization of an Indian? Several Indian doctors are being victimized in UK and they are fighting in UK courts for their rights. I praise the boldness of Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasreen who clearly wrote the stories of race-based victimazation of Indians in her novels. Although she is in controversy due to her books but it shows that we only Indians are peaceful in the world and respect the mankind and humanity. There is no doubt in this fact that Indians are victimized abroad. I agree to the statement of our Prime Minister which is given in joint press conference with leaders of European Union that whenever Indian citizens abroad are affected, it is a cause for concern and the govt would convey its concerns to the countries governments.
Dr
Suram Singh Verma: Yes, but who is responsible? It is
the Indian style of mentality that is responsible for the
same. No doubt Indians are hard working but for themselves
only not with an outlook for the society or the country
whereever they may be.
At any level, Indians always try to differentiate themselves from fellow beings through their thinking and deeds whether they are abroad or in India itself. India has a history of spirituality and strong social ties which is put least into practice in reality. When we are abroad, the country we have selected for our prosperity, then the people of the country expect a balanced approach from immigrants. They should care for the feelings of fellow citizens and if not imbibe their culture and values at least do not project themselves as something different. Politics and groupism are the qualities an Indian inherits from the Indian society for which he will not miss any opportunity to practice abroad also due to his very ambitious nature. These are the things which motivate people abroad to victimize Indians.
Abhay
Shankar Babu: No, today laws are getting very stringent
in almost all the countries in order to avoid any kind of
victimization of a particular community, race or nationality.
We shall not draw any kind of conclusion with the incident
which occurred with Shilpa Shetty in London while participating
in a show called 'Big Boss', as that kind of incident is
very rare in nature or that could be a public stunt, to
attract the viewers of small screen. People are now being
aware of their fundamental rights abroad, as most of them
fall in the ambit of educated people.
Subhash
C Agrawal: Indians settled abroad at time of need of
those countries are finding them as unnecessary 'burden'
now because of various reasons like rising population and
being in religious minorities. Apart from Malaysia now,
the then Prime Minister Mahender Choudhary in Fiji was overthrown
from the post only because he was of Indian origin. But
such ethnic problems are not only for people of Indian origin
settled abroad though centuries ago. People and their children
migrated from India to Pakistan at time of country's partition
and freedom are still considered 'outsiders' in Pakistan
after six long decades even though migrated ones are Muslims!
Why only citizens settled abroad, many of married ladies in Indian homes are treated as 'outsiders' only because they are 'migrated' from their parents' homes to in-laws' homes after their marriages!
RJ
Khurana: At times the victimization is real and at times
just perceived. There are three kinds of persons of Indian
origin who live abroad. One, those who were taken abroad
as indentured labour, two, those who left India of their
own accord for greener pastures and took up citizenships
of the country of their migration and last those who still
retain Indian citizenship.
The first category has done very well and even risen to the highest positions except those in Fiji, Ghana and some other African countries, Burma and now, perhaps Malaysia where they have been victimized. At times, on certain issues primarily racial, the second category does feel discriminated/victimized but it was their choice and they have to live with it and fight for their rights from within the system. There is little that the country of their origin can do for them except sympathize with them and gently nudge the victimizing countries to stop.
It is the third category that is the touchiest and most difficult to handle. At the slightest show of discrimination, they complain of victimization. Such cases need prompt and effective handling by the Indian Missions abroad. Timely intervention in all genuine cases can be of great help.
Sharjeel
Khan: In my opinion I don't think that the Indians are
really victimized in foreign countries. Last week many Indians
were charged in Malaysia for taking part in a rally to demand
equal rights in Malaysia. The rally was the largest ever
demonstration by the Indian community. Malaysian police
used water cannons and teargas to disperse the rally. They
would have done the same with their people on demonstration.
There is one more unfortunate case of Dr. Mohamed Haneef, who worked in Australia and after a terrorist attack he was charged as a terrorist, the trauma faced by that doctor and his family for about three weeks was really unforgettable and at last he got clean chit from that case.
After that more than 10,000 Australians signed an online petition calling for the reinstatement of Haneef's work visa tends to make all believe that the error was on the part of Australian Police.
Now, let's talk about Shilpa Shetty's Big Boss incident. Fact is that after the incident many people throughout the world know about Big Boss, and so is the case with Shilpa Shetty, today she has become world famous. That was only a publicity stunt.
Irony is that we only talk about the victimized Indians in foreign countries, why don't we talk about the Indians like Lakshmi Mittal, Lord Swaraj Paul, Bobby Jindal, Amartya Sen, Shashi Tharoor and many others who create an identity and got respectable position in different countries, they can tell us the truth that how much respect they got in other nations.
Satish
Kumar Singh: Yes Indians are really victimized abroad.
So what even in India they are victimized. There are instances
of victimization in the name of caste, creed and religion
and sometimes in the name of power. Similarly, abroad too
Indians are being victimized by foreigners on the ground
of several reasons.
India is a developing nation. For many goods it depends upon other countries. It is not in a position to pressurize any country for the sake of its citizens. Therefore Indians don't get their rights in foreign countries. Indian government knows everything. In spite of that it does not do anything either for its citizens or for non-resident Indians. This is really very shocking condition for Indians as well as for Indian government. There is also distinction between black and white people. White people mostly reside in developed countries and there is race bias due to human nature.
Present Chief Minister of Gujarat Narendra Modi too had been victimized abroad. Conditions of general people is not good abroad. If two persons work in any MNC abroad in same capacity they will draw different salaries for same work. Indians are compelled to go abroad for employment. We are always ready to work at low wages. In almost every country you will find Indians in different capacities. If we want to stop such types of pathetic event, we must generate employment and make ourselves as strong as China, so that white people of any developed countries do not dare to mistreat Indians.
Krishna
Chander Mouli: It is essential here to define Indians
abroad and their victimization. To illustrate here the latest
Malaysian episode is enough. In a foreign country there
are always two types of citizens. The same theory applies
to Indians too. One category are those who migrated to a
foreign country in search of better prospects and are living
there as such on extended Visa. Some might have acquired
that foreign country's citizenship or are living there with
regularly renewing their work permits. Another category
are those who were born in that foreign country to parents
of another country (eg Like India) and are natural citizens
of that foreign country by birth. Such citizens can at the
most be identified as of Indian origin. Therefore identifying
them as Indian citizens is neither logical nor is it wise
for any country- rather such identification is a direct
insult to that country which had accorded natural citizenship
to such Indians. The earlier they integrate themselves with
the mainstream the better it would be though there is nothing
wrong in taking pride of their origin without hurting the
national sentiments of the country whose citizenship one
is enjoying. Having explained the categories of Indians,
it would be easy and simple now to answer the question whether
Indians abroad are victimized ?
Yes there have been many such instances where a foreign country thrived on apartheid and racism. These characteristics are manifest both in the developed countries like UK, USA, Canada, France, Germany and Australia and developing and underdeveloped countries like South Africa, Saudi Arabia and recently Malaysia. Surprisingly it is not a feature of east-European and communist countries and perhaps even the South American countries also.
Yet victimization depends on whether a country is dealing with its own citizens (even of Indian origin) as is the Malaysian case or is dealing with non-citizen status Indians. Every country has the right and authority to enforce its discipline and laws on its citizens (even if their origin is Indian) which should not be politicized and which should not be termed as victimisation. Such action may tantamount to interference on another country's sovereignty.
But if a country initiates action of persecution observing racism and apartheid even on its citizens (but of Indian origin) it is undoubtedly victimization. And in such instances the UNO and all the other civilized nations should come forward. Alleged victimization of Malaysian citizens of Indian origin should be viewed in this context.
RK
Kutty: When one looks at the latest incident of victimization
of people of Indian origin in Malaysia it seems Indians
are being victimized abroad.
During the Empire era, Indians in large numbers were ferried to various colonies of the British viz Fiji Island, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Caribbean Islands wherever the Empire ruled. Mostly, these people were engaged in tea estates, plantations. The Empire used to ensure the safety and welfare of these workers. By the time decolonization started ie after the end of 2nd World War, most of these countries became independent and the migrants preferred to live in that country as they were adept to the situation there. Moreover, the children of such indentured labourers became natural citizens of the migrant country. It was natural the second and third generation totally adopted the migrant country as their home, but still continued to maintain their Indian identity. That is the reason in all these countries they have raised up giant temples, gurudwaras etc.
Yet, the saddest irony is that some brilliant, western educated, scholarly byproducts of such migrants like V.S. Naipaul, though love to be identified as NRI but attitude-wise, they generally dislike Indian civic life. Such ones are not victimized abroad.
But, now when one looks at the real victimization, the issue that immediately comes to one's mind is that of the struggle of the Tamils in Sri Lanka. For the last over two decades, this problem is hanging fire. All are quite aware of the crux of the issue there. The Indo-Lankan link is historic. Moreover, it has even an epic touch too. Yet, when the Tamils settled there for centuries, started receiving a second rate treatment and that too from the other, so called majority people, who too were of Indian origin (the only difference is they belonged to the north of the Vindhyas who later adopted Buddhism), the Tamils preferred to fight it out. The situation has quite boiled up to the extent that a terrific war is now being waged there for which a solution seems to be impossible. Perhaps, the latest problem of the same kind now broiling in Malaysia is a natural corollary and the only difference in Malaysia is that Islamic fundamentalism is the villain of piece there. Undoubtedly, Malaysia is predominantly Muslim dominated, yet the ethnic minorities like the Chinese and the Indians (non-Muslims) are also sizable. If that country is Islamized and the Shariat laws are introduced, these minorities would face lot of hardships. Therefore, India must initiate suitable steps at the appropriate fora to protect the interests of people of Indian origin, irrespective of any caste or religious discrimination.
Dr
Visal A Khan: Increasing numbers of people travel and
live abroad for multi-purpose aims and are victimized in
countries where they may be unfamiliar with the language.
In addition, crimes such as international terrorism and
commercial sexual exploitation of women, children, are well
documented. Indians are victimized abroad is true and needs
discussion for international issues facing the field of
victim assistance today and briefly highlights approaches
that have been taken in other countries to address crime
victims' needs. In addition to serving their own victims
domestically, many countries are participating in international
collaborative efforts to improve the rights and treatment
of crime victims worldwide. Finally, the section makes recommendations
for improving services to American citizens who are victimized
abroad and foreign citizens who are victimized in the United
States, as well as continued collaboration and reciprocity
in the provision of victim services worldwide. Individuals
throughout the world-in large urban cities and in small
villages-face problems with crime and violence and much
can be gained from examining the unique approaches to addressing
the rights and needs of crime victims that have been undertaken
by diverse communities and nations.
Victim science is increasingly recognized as an international field of research and action, transcending many cultures and legal systems. The US is visited by millions of foreign nationals each year, and citizens of the US travel and live in virtually every part of the world. As our societies become more global and mobile, it is no longer possible to confine victim assistance to the borders of a particular country. Crime and victimization have become transnational and countries must look beyond their national boundaries to share information, technology, and resources to assist victims. Crime victims in some countries enjoy greater participatory rights in court than do victims in the US. For example, victims in some countries can review evidence, ask questions during the trial, be represented by an attorney at the country's expense, and even appeal the decision of a prosecutor not to file their case. A few countries provide victims with an ombudsman to help ensure enforcement of their rights. Other countries have established innovative partnerships or stronger laws to help protect victims.
Also an international network of information, dissemination, training, and technical assistance and victim assistance should be promoted. Communities with large numbers of tourists should establish special programmes to assist international tourists who are victims of crime. An international victim care corps under the auspices of the UN or an alternative body should be established. This challenging body will surely minimize not only Indians victimization but also the other countries tourist victimization too.
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