Marines row: Are Indians barbaric? Why is Italy worried?

New Delhi, Mar 16: The nation may be outraged at the diplomatic betrayal by Italy but was there a need for advising Italians to cautious while visiting India?

Italy has advised its citizens to be "vigilant and cautious", especially in Kerala as it apprehends backlash after it refused to send back two marines, facing trial here for killing two Indian fishermen.

"In connection with any protests, especially in the state of Kerala, related to each of the two sailors, it is recommended to compatriots in maintaining an attitude always vigilant and cautious and stay away from any crowds," the Italian embassy advisory said.

The advisory that came two days after it formally told India about its decision not to send back the two marines facing homicide charges, Italian government also asked its nationals to stay away from crowded places. But in India, can you avoid crowd?

However, unlike many intolerant countries, India or Indians have never targeted foreigners, except for some aberrations like rape of a Swiss woman in Madhya Pradesh this week.

In tourism sector, Italians have show marked preference for Indian destinations. Their numbers have shot up to more than one lakh from seventy thousand odd in 2009.

The provocation for Italian advisory could be traced to the tough stance taken by India, especially the judiciary.

The Supreme Court has restrained Italian Ambassador Daniele Mancini from leaving Indian without its permission. Mancini had given an assurance to send them back before the end of their four week deadline.

A bench headed by Chief Justice Altamas Kabir had also issued notice to the Ambassador and two marines, Massimiliano Lattore and Salvatore Girone, to respond by Monday after Attorney General G E Vahanvati brought the issue before it, saying that "it's a breach of undertaking given to the highest court of the land and the government is extremely concerned about it".

OneIndia News