Australia dismisses Indian travel advisory

Melbourne, Jan 6: Deputy prime minister of Australia Julia Gillard has dismissed the travel advisory issued by the Indian government urging its students to practice precautionary security measures down under, saying that 'acts of violence' are common in all big cities.

"In big cities around the world we do see acts of violence from time to time; that happens in Melbourne, it happens in Mumbai, it happens in New York, it happens in London," she was quoted as saying by ABC news, insisting that Australia was safe for all international students.

She added that her country will continue to welcome Indian students despite the new travel warning.

Also responding to the advisory Victoria's Acting Premier, Rob Hulls said, "Whilst warnings are entirely a matter for the Indian government, everyone needs to realise that Melbourne is a welcoming, open place that certainly welcomes Indian students and students from all around the world."

The advisory issued by India's External Affairs Ministry on Tuesday, Jan 5, urges its students to take extra security measures and includes a list of dos and don'ts.

The statement which particularly mentions Melbourne as a street crime hotspot, advises its citizens to get in touch with the authorities as soon as they sense danger.

This comes three days after the murder of 21-year-old Nitin Garg surfaced along with the reports that the partially burnt body, found on Dec 29, is believed to be that of a 25-year-old Indian.

OneIndia News