Violence-hit South Africa assures India on safety of Indian community

Amidst reports of violence over former President Jacob Zuma's arrest on graft charges, South Africa has assured New Delhi that restoration of normalcy and ensuring Indians security are the government's priority.

The Indian government is in constant touch with the South African government and its concerned agencies after the Indian community being targeted since the last week.

As per the reports, the Indian community is being targeted, and their businesses are being looted.   

"We are in touch with the South African government and its concerned agencies to ensure the safety of lives and livelihoods of the Indian community facing uncertainty in South Africa," the Indian High Commission in South Africa said. 

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who is on a visit to Tajikistan to attend key meetings of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), spoke to his South African counterpart Naledi Pandor over the widespread violence in the country. She assured that her government was doing its utmost to enforce law and order.

In a tweet, Jaishankar said, "Appreciate the conversation with South African Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor today. She assured that her government was doing its utmost to enforce law and order. Early restoration of normalcy and peace was the overriding priority."

External Affairs Ministry Secretary (CPV&OIA) Sanjay Bhattacharya also met the High Commissioner of South Africa to India, Joel Sibusiso Ndebele, in this regard. 

The High Commissioner assured that his government is doing its utmost to enforce law and order. 

So far, over 72 people have died in the violence, and more than 1200 rioters were arrested. 

A total of 25,000 troops have been deployed to assist police in quelling the riots.

• India community
• Indians in South Africa
• Jacob Zuma
• S Jaishankar
• South Africa
• South Africa violence
• Violence in South Africa
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