Indian deaths in US: AP govt expresses concern

The Andhra Pradesh government has conveyed the deep concern and apprehensions of the people of the state over the murders of the people belonging to the state in the United States of America.

Mohammed Ali Shabbir, minister for energy, coal, minority welfare and non-resident Indians affairs convened a high level meeting on the instructions of the Chief Minster Y S Rajasekhar Reddy on Friday.

Cornelis M Keur, the US consul general, and Ravi Shanker Isola, joint secretary, ministry of external affairs, were present at the meeting.

Shabbir conveyed the deep concern of the government and the people on the murder of Sudheer, a citizen of the state in Atlanta recently.

He said murders of the people belonging to the state in USA in the past two years has caused concern among the students, their parents, families and spouses about their safety and security.

Shabbir stressed the need for a joint mechanism and formulation of a policy for protection and security of the Indian citizens in the USA. Various measures and suggestions were also discussed in the meeting to instill confidence among the NRIs in USA and their families back home, as the killings of the Indian citizens has created apprehensions among the people.

It was decided to bring out pamphlets listing Dos and Dont's for NRIs while in  the USA. The US consulate general will also play an advisory role at the time of issuing visas to the persons visiting USA. The need for educating students about the security measures was also felt.

The AP Minister informed that the chief minister is also writing a letter in this regard to the Minister for External Affairs Pranab Mukherjee conveying the sentiments and apprehensions of the people of the state and requesting him to take the matter to the US administration.

Consul-General Kuer agreeing to the discussions in the meeting termed the incidents as unfortunate and said that he would bring the concerns of the people of Andhra Pradesh to the notice of the US administration. The US authorities have already begun inquiry into these incidents.

Meanwhile efforts are on in Houston, to bring the body of Sudheer to Andhra Pradesh. The Vice Consul of India in Houston, V K Azad and the Telugu Association of Atlanta are in constant touch with the US authorities and the family of the victim.

The Minister also said that the Andhra government is extending all necessary support in the matter.