Noida administration calls meeting of African nationals, police and locals

Even as residents of Greater Noida are drawing flak for racial attacks and prejudices against African nationals, residents’ associations said foreigners must adapt to the “need of the host nation” to coexist peacefully.

Accusing locals of bias against them, the African nationals also listed “deep-rooted sexism against African women, biased local media, lack of sensitive policing and moral policing by the residents” as the major problems they face.

After listening to accusations made by both sides, district magistrate of Gautam Budh Nagar, NP Singh, said, “Each side needs to be sensitive to the other’s cultures and habits to live in harmony. Orientation programmes for foreign nationals and timely coordination meetings among residents can resolve the issue of bias.”

The law of the land should be followed by everyone, be it locals or foreign nationals, he said.

The residents’ associations on Tuesday raised concerns about the behaviour of African nationals living in Greater Noida, to which the district magistrate also agreed partially. “African nationals do not behave properly in public places, do not carry themselves properly and are aggressive when they speak. When they come to our country, they should adapt to our culture and value system,” said Anil Sharma of Greater Noida, without giving any facts or figures to substantiate his claims.

Some residents also blamed the police and the district administration for unfairly targeting the local youth over the recent violence.

Pramendra Bhati, the lawyer representing the accused in the racial attacks, said, “After this unfortunate incident on Monday evening, the police had randomly picked up eight to 10 of our men without any proof. They are now acting under pressure from international elements and the media, just to save their jobs. On the other hand, they had released the foreign nationals accused in the case pertaining to Manish Khari’s death.”

African nationals said residents have a biased view.

Alex, a Nigerian national, said, “Some people approach us for drugs but not all Africans are drug peddlers.”

Responding to allegations of cannibalism, another Nigerian national, said, “Eating humans is not allowed in African nations either; how can locals accuse us of cannibalism?”

The members of various residents’ welfare associations listed their problems during a meet hosted by the district magistrate at the collectorate on Tuesday to pacify both parties. The meeting was attended by various residents’ welfare associations, representatives of African nationals, the police, representatives of various educational institutions and the administration officials.