The CPIML condemns the racist mob attack on students from Nigeria and other African nations in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh on 27 March 2017. The attack followed racist rumours accusing Nigerians of ‘cannibalism’ following the disappearance of Indian students. Eventually the Indian student was found suffering from a drug overdose of which he later died. Under pressure from a violent mob the Uttar Pradesh police lodged an FIR against five Nigerian students. But the police, acknowledging that there was no evidence at all that the death was a murder or that Nigerians had anything to do with the death, did not arrest the five Nigerian students. In spite of this the racist campaign continued and culminated in a brutal prolonged mob attack on African students at Ansal Plaza and Pari Chowk in Greater Noida.
Racist attacks against students and people from African nations, as well as Black people from other countries, are very common. The CPI(ML) demands that the perpetrators of the racist attack be identified and punished, and the Government of Uttar Pradesh and Central Government immediately take steps to ensure protection of African students in NOIDA. The CPIML demands that the Prime Minister as well as Chief Ministers of all states issue a condemnation of all racist attacks and appeal against racist abuse and attacks. Governments at Centre and State must also fund campaigns to educate the public about racism and to combat racist prejudices.
