The Indian Consulate in Milan on Monday issued an advisory to Indian students warning them to stay calm and safe after a recent string of assaults on Indian students in northern Italy. The Consulate General of India (CGI) in the advisory issued on Monday asked them not to panic and stay cautious. The advisory, however, did not mention if the attacks on Indian students appeared to be racially motivated.
"The Consulate has received reports of unfortunate incidents of attacks on Indian students in Milan. All Indian students are urged not to panic. The Consulate is taking up this matter with the highest level of law and order authorities in Milan," according to the advisory posted on Twitter.
The CGI advised Indian students to be in touch with each other, especially when they go out. It also advised students to inform other Indian students of the areas where they have experienced "such incidents" so that they can be avoided. In New Delhi, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said she had received a detailed report about the incidents. Swaraj said she was personally monitoring the situation and asked the students not to worry.
Meanwhile, a media house has reported that the attacks were racial in nature and has gone on to add that at least three students have alleged being beaten, punched and kicked.
