Oz radio host who called river Ganga ''junkyard'' says sorry

Melbourne, Aug 5: An Australian radio show host facing criticism for using a derogatory word against India and calling river Ganga a "junkyard" has issued an apology.

Council of Indian-Australians president Yadu Singh today said: "I am pleased to report that Sydney's 2Day FM Radio station and (host) Kyle Sandilands have realised the mistake in their comments and issued an apology."

"This apology has been on air by Kyle, and in writing by Adam Lang, General Manager of 2day FM Radio station, who had sent a letter to me on Thursday."

Singh said Kyle, in his apology note, stated: ''I'm apologising... anyone that's Indian, that listens to this show, knows that I love Indians... I don't discriminate. I love everyone. I don't care where they are, where they are from, what colour they are."

''I just made the mistake that the river which, to me, looks polluted, I said it was a junkyard and I did not realise it was holy.''

Lang also commented on the issue and said: "In this instance, I hope that you feel that Kyle Sandilands and 2Day FM have taken full responsibility for the offence caused by remarks made. The offence was not intended but that consequence is absolutely accepted and we do sincerely apologise."

Singh, who claimed to have received many emails and calls from Indian-Australians upset about Sandilands's remarks earlier, said the matter was now resolved to their satisfaction.

He stressed that the issue was not between Australia and India, but it was between Kyle and the listeners.

PTI