Calling the killing of a Congolese national in the capital “unfortunate”, Minister of Culture and Tourism Mahesh Sharma said that even African countries are not safe.
His comment came after the killing of Olivier Masonga Kitanda in New Delhi’s Hauz Khas area caused a diplomatic rift between Indian and African envoys.
Sharma said that such untoward incidents will give India a ‘bad name’.
India is a large country and such incidents will give a bad name to India. It is an unfortunate incident. However, even Africa is not safe. Such incidents happen in other parts of the world too.
Olivier’s murder sparked off a nationwide debate on racism in India, but the minister cited his own experience in South Africa to support his claim that Africa was no different. He said he had to cut his morning and evening walks short on his visit there because of safety concerns.
Sharma added that the tourism ministry has introduced measures to ensure safety of foreign nationals in the country including a helpline no 1363.
29-year-old Olivier was beaten to death by three men on Friday, after a verbal altercation. Two suspects have been arrested in connection with the case while one is on the run.
Read More: Two Indians Injured in Congo; No New Untoward Incident, Says MEA
(With IANS inputs)
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