Dublin/New Delhi, Aug 8 (UNI) A six-year-old Indian girl was punched by a group of boys, called a “dirty Indian” and told to “go back to India”, in Waterford, southern Ireland, in the latest incidence among a spate of violent attacks on Indians in Ireland.
Nia Naveen was allegedly attacked by a group of boys aged 12 to 14 while playing outside her home in Waterford city on Monday, an Irish news site reported.
The Embassy of Ireland in New Delhi, expressing deep shock and sadness over the recent attacks on Indians in Ireland, said it condemns the attacks in the strongest terms. “They are an assault on the values of equality and human dignity that Ireland holds dear. Racism and xenophobia have no place in Irish society. The actions of a few do not reflect the spirit of the Irish people. It will not be tolerated,” it said in a statement today.
It said over 100,000 Indians call Ireland their home, and that Ireland is enriched by the diversity of people who live in Ireland, especially the Indian community whose contributions continue to deepen the bonds between the two nations.
It said that the Irish Deputy PM and Minister for Foreign Affairs will be meeting with representatives of the Indian community in Ireland on Monday, August 11.
Ireland’s national police, Gardaí, said that they responded to report of an alleged assault in the Kilbarry area of Waterford city on the evening of Monday, August 4.
The gang allegedly punched the girl in the face, hit her with a bicycle, and shouted racial slurs at the child.
Nia’s mother, Anupa Achuthan, a nurse originally from Kerala in southern India, shared details of the ordeal, saying how her daughter returned home in tears.
The assault has shocked the Indian community and comes amid growing concerns about racist violence. The incident follows similar recent attacks in Dublin’s Tallaght and Clondalkin areas.
Kranthi Ireland, a forum for Indians in Ireland, said it “condemns the racist and brutal attack on a six-year-old girl of our family in Waterford”.
“The child suffered bruises from the attack and is in trauma after being subjected to racial abuse, including being called a ‘dirty Indian’ and being told to ‘go back to India.’
“This family had already reported the racist abuse – and was disregarded. We stand with the child and her family. We call for a thorough investigation and swift action by the government. We call for accountability – from the perpetrators, and from the authorities who did not act.
“We also appeal to all progressive minds, and to all who have love and compassion in their hearts, to stand with us – in solidarity, in action, and against hate. Ireland must never be a country where children live in fear and racism is allowed to grow.”
According to the mother, who recently became an Irish citizen, the child is now traumatised, and refuses to go outside. The family no longer feels safe in their neighbourhood.
The Indian Embassy in Dublin has issued this advisory for its citizens. “There has been an increase in the instances of physical attacks reported against Indian citizens in Ireland recently.
“The Embassy is in touch with the authorities concerned of Ireland in this regard. At the same time, all Indian citizens in Ireland are advised to take reasonable precautions for their personal security and avoid deserted areas, especially in odd hours.”
