In a recent unsettling event at Gujarat University, a disturbing attack on foreign students for offering namaz on campus has grabbed headlines, prompting a swift response from both the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and local authorities in Gujarat. This incident not only raises concerns about the safety and cultural sensitivity towards international students in India but also calls for immediate action and dialogue about tolerance and respect for cultural practices. Here’s a deep dive into the incident and the subsequent actions taken by the concerned authorities.
What Happened in Gujarat University?
On a quiet Saturday night at Gujarat University in Ahmedabad, a group of 20-25 individuals breached the tranquility of a hostel by attacking foreign students allegedly over the act of offering namaz within the premises. The assailants questioned the appropriateness of conducting their prayers on campus rather than at a mosque, leading to a heated exchange that escalated to physical violence and stone-throwing.
The Victims of the Attack
The foreign students targeted in this unfortunate episode hailed from diverse nations including Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, South Africa, and Sri Lanka, reflecting the global community that Gujarat University hosts. Tragically, two students – one from Sri Lanka and another from Tajikistan – required hospitalization due to the injuries inflicted during the assault.
How Authorities are Responding
The seriousness of the “Foreign Students Attacked in the Gujarat Namaz Incident” has elicited a vigorous response from the MEA and the Gujarat government. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized that the state government is stringently pursuing the perpetrators and is in constant communication with the Gujarat government to monitor the situation. Additionally, Gujarat’s home minister, Harsh Sanghavi, has directed state police to expedite efforts to apprehend those responsible and ensure a thorough investigation.
Following the incident, an FIR has been lodged against 20-25 unidentified assailants, and police have constituted nine dedicated teams to probe into the event, underlining their commitment to securing justice for the affected students.
Proposed Measures for Preventing Further Incidents
Gujarat University Vice-Chancellor, Neerja A. Gupta, expressed her concerns and suggested an orientation program to impart ‘cultural sensitivity’ training to foreign students. Though her remarks might seem controversial to some, they underline an immediate need to bridge cultural gaps and foster a respectful and safe environment for all students, irrespective of their nationalities or cultural practices.
In her words:
“These are foreign students and when you go abroad, you must learn cultural sensitivity. These students need an orientation. We will sit with them, provide cultural orientation and discuss how to strengthen their security.”
Ensuring Safety for International Students
The safety and well-being of international students are paramount, and this incident is a wake-up call for educational institutions across India to reassess and fortify their measures for protecting them. Facilities like the Foreigner’s Regional Registration Offices (FRRO), provide critical support services and advisories to ensure the safety and legal compliance of international students in India. These organizations play a crucial role in the well-being of the international student community and should be a go-to resource for newcomers.
Final Words
While the Gujarat Namaz incident is a setback, it’s also an opportunity to reflect and act towards fostering a more inclusive and respectful environment for all students. The collective efforts of the MEA, local government, and educational institutions underscore a strong commitment to ensuring that India remains a safe and welcoming place for international scholars seeking quality education and cultural exchange.
This Article In A Nutshell:
In a distressing event at Gujarat University, international students were attacked while offering namaz. Prompted by this incident, authorities are taking swift action for justice and proposing ‘cultural sensitivity’ programs. Ensuring the safety of foreign students is crucial, emphasizing the need for inclusive and respectful educational environments across India.
