Violence against Indian Students in Australia: A Question of Dignity

Abstract

The recent incidents of violence reported against Indians students in Australia raises questions about the root cause of such attacks and consequent policy responses. Should the authorities deal with the problem as one of illegal possession of weapons or as a racial attack arising out of racial and ethnic differences. While statements from Australian police have tended to play down the racial element, Indian media and human rights activists have tended to emphasise the role of race and racism may play in these incidents.