India warns its students in Oz, issues advisory post attacks

In the wake of unabated assaults and killing of its citizens in Australia, India today issued an advisory asking its students studying or planning to study in that country to take certain basic precautions to ensure their security.

In the wake of unabated assaults and killing of its citizens in Australia, India today issued an advisory asking its students studying or planning to study in that country to take certain basic precautions to ensure their security.

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Pointing to several incidents of robbery and assault on Indians in Australia, particularly in Melbourne including the killing of a young Indian on January 2, the advisory said Indian students studying in Australia as also those planning to study there are advised that they should take certain "basic precautions in being alert to their own security while moving around."

"These incidents are continuing to occur despite efforts by the local police to step up anti-crime measures, and are occurring all over Melbourne without any discernable pattern or rationale behind them", the advisory issued by the External Affairs Ministry said.

It asked the students to ensure that someone knows where they were going and at what time they were expected to return, not to carry more cash on person than what is required, not to make it obvious that they are in possession of expensive items, such as ipods or laptops.

The advisory, which also gave details of the welfare officers in Canberra, Sydney and Melbourne for students to contact, also asked them to always carry some identification with them as well as details of who should be contacted in an emergency.

"If in danger, dial 000 to get police help. In case you have a complaint, get in touch with the officer responsible for students welfare in the High Commission or the Consulate nearest to you", it added.