All Indians safe in Fiji

New Delhi, Dec 6 (UNI) All personnel of the Indian High Commission in Suva and their family members as well as people of Indian origin in Fiji are safe.

''The situation in Fiji is calm and all personnel of the High Commission of India in Suva and their family members are safe.

People of Indian origin in Fiji are safe and going about their daily lives in a normal manner,'' an External Affairs Ministry spokesman said in response to a question.

New Delhi had yesterday said it was ''saddened'' at the latest military coup in Fiji and hoped that rule of law would prevail and power returned to the people at the earliest.

''We are saddened to learn about the turn of events in Fiji and hope that the rule of law will prevail and power will be returned to the people at the earliest,'' a statement issued by the External Affairs Ministry said.

The brief statement said India greatly valued its relations with Fiji Islands, ''a country with which we share cultural and historical links.'' In the latest developments in Fiji, Army chief Commodore Frank Bainimarama overthrew civilian Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase in a military coup, the fourth in 20 years, taking over the reins of the government.

The Prime Minister was placed under house arrest.

Fiji, a South Pacific nation of nearly 900,000 people, has witnessed racial and political tensions since 1987, including previous three coups, that have been a source of instability in the country.

The population is divided 50:50 between ethnic Fijians and Indians.

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