Pakistani student attacked in Pondicherry leaves for home
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KARACHI: Ali Hasan Raza, a Pakistani student attacked at Pondicherry University, left for Pakistan on Thursday evening after the Indian authorities gave him permission to travel back home, according to an Indian media website.
Raza flew to New Delhi on Thursday from Chennai. He is expected to travel onwards from New Delhi to Lahore.
In a phone conversation with The New Indian Express, Raza said that the Indian Home Ministry had permitted him to return to his home country, adding that he was being escorted by the Pondicherry police personnel.
He also said that he would be willing to return to India in case his presence was required by the investigating team to cooperate in the probe of the assault against him.
Raza was attacked while sleeping by three unidentified men in his room at the Sir CV Raman Hostel on Tuesday. The attackers beat him with iron rods and liquor bottles. Raza sustained injuries on his head, neck and back.
The 24-year-old was severely wounded and is being treated at the Puducherry Institute of Medical Science (PIMS) and Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (Jipmer). During treatment, Raza said the attackers were his age and may be students of the university.
Raza was doing a post-graduate course in South Asian studies. He is the first and only Pakistani student in Pondicherry University.
In response to the attack, the Student Federation of India (SFI) secretary A Anand voiced concern over the incident and said the university must take all measures to bring the perpetrators of the attack to justice. The university also issued new restrictions on entries to the boys’ hostel.
Leftist parties send memo to Indian President
Leaders of Indian left-wing parties in a memorandum urged President Pranab Mukherji to take action against the assault of the Pakistani student at Pondicherry University. They said that the incident could have serious repercussions on Pakistan-India bilateral relations, as well as on the regional and international politics.
Furthermore, they said the attack may give rise to speculations that the incident was due to communal and nationalist motivations. The attack occurred on the last day of the ongoing Lok Sabha polls that the Bharatiya Janata Party-led (BJP) National Democratic Alliance (NDA) are expected to win.
The memorandum was signed by office bearers of the Communist Party of India (CPI), Communist Party of India – Marxist (CPM), All India Forward Bloc (AIFB) and Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP).
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Comments (87) Closed
May 16, 2014 12:20pm
We will find those who harmed this innocent soul and punish severely. We apologise profusely for this cowardly behaviour.
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May 16, 2014 12:34pm
Welcome Home my sweet friends you thought people might have changed on the other side of Border......
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May 16, 2014 12:35pm
In another news BJP has bagged the majority and will be making the Govt. soon. I have much respect for Indians, so I sincerely hope attack on Pakistanis and Pakistan related entities does not become common now.
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May 16, 2014 12:35pm
Why on earth did you go to Hindia mate?
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May 16, 2014 01:01pm
Why do Pakistanis go to india in the first place. I have been around a lot of indians in USA and have always found them to be extremely ignorant, annoying and esteem-less people. Worst people on the face of earth to be around.
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May 16, 2014 01:04pm
Welcome Modi Sarkar
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May 16, 2014 01:14pm
@Kamran And I have lived with 2 groups of them whilst studying and working in the UK, and have found them to be the best of friends.
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May 16, 2014 01:22pm
I am from Indian administered Kashmir and everyday kashmiri students studying in Indian educational institutions are harassed-even tortured,beaten up on one pretext or the other.It is foolish for Pakistani students,singers,actors to come to India.Now with rabid, rightwing Modi and his BJP in power i would request Pakistani diplomats even to be extremely careful in India-they risk their families especially!By the way south Indians were considered less influenced by Hindutva,hindu communalism but lately they have made forays into leftist bastions like Kerala even!This boy can pursue his education elsewhere in the world!
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May 16, 2014 01:23pm
@jen: Appreciate your words. I hope the culprits are apprehended soon.
And at the same time, I apologize for the dumb comments made by my fellow Pakistanis here, they are the 'same' people who attacked Ali Hassan Raza on the other side; unfortunately, they dwell on both sides of the border, we need to look beyond them.
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May 16, 2014 01:39pm
@Kamran I doubt you ever left your village mate, you have steps to climb before you can stand n par with Indians
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May 16, 2014 01:49pm
He is not welcome, he should stay back.
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May 16, 2014 01:51pm
This thing shouldn't have happened. Apologies from us.
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May 16, 2014 01:53pm
Those who say why you went to India are short-sighted and is just a kneejerk reaction. Many people go to each others
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May 16, 2014 02:10pm
What was this guy thinking? The last set of pakistanis who came to India left hundreds dead in Mumbai. I wish him success, just not in my home.
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May 16, 2014 02:16pm
Feel ashamed and embarrassing that this happened.
Apologies for this shameful incident.
Hope Raza feels better soon
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May 16, 2014 02:31pm
apologies to Mr raza.. from across the border... let the perpetrators be booked for this cowardly attack... kuch 2-3 buzhdil logo ki vajah se hamare mehman-nawazi mein farak nahi aa sakta.
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May 16, 2014 02:36pm
This is really shameful. Any violence is deplorable. I do hope the culprits are brought to book.
Having said that, I would implore the young man to come back and finish his studies.
God be with him!
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May 16, 2014 02:36pm
@Jazib Ghory I am of Indian origin living in the US. Of my two "best" friends, one is a Pakistani.
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May 16, 2014 02:39pm
Keep this hateful ideology alive on both side of the border, so your enemies can bank on it. The whole world is moving forward and making progress except this part of the world. Time to wake up and know who is the true enemy.
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May 16, 2014 02:41pm
extremists are on both side of border. So far my experience here with indian's is quiet good i have made good friends with them
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May 16, 2014 02:42pm
Extremely shameful - as an Indian citizen I feel extremely ashamed of the behaviour of some of my fellow citizens who attacked him. Hope the Pakistani student gets well soon and comes back to India to complete his studies. This is the impact such incidents have - one attack and we have forgotten all those Pakistani patients who got a new lease of life in India; but thats how we South Asians think.
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May 16, 2014 02:46pm
@Kamran So they are just like Pakistanis?
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May 16, 2014 02:53pm
@Kamran this type of hatred comments should be avoided.
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May 16, 2014 02:55pm
@Kamran Can you elaborate on esteem-less?
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May 16, 2014 03:04pm
@Kamran
Ignorant and esteemless are those citizens, which inspite of knowing that their country is financially, politically and morally bankrupt, still boast about the things they don't posses.
Just compare the ratio - (Indians on top notch posts worldwide)/(Pakistanis on top notch posts worldwide) if you will.
Think before you comment.
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May 16, 2014 03:04pm
@Kamran
Wonder which world you live in. I would urge you to travel around, experience and evolve. For instance, do read about the overwhelming treatment Pakistanis receive during their medical trips to India or to your compatriots who have Indian friends. I have found Pakistanis as great friends.
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May 16, 2014 03:06pm
shame on ourselfs
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May 16, 2014 03:17pm
Best wishes to indians and BJP. Looking forward to see better cooperation and greater south asia.
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May 16, 2014 03:18pm
Hahahaha. Peaceful Bharat. Shame on Pakistanis who are pro-India and expect nice things from Indians.
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May 16, 2014 03:18pm
@Kamran I want to kiss your forehead. You are great.
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May 16, 2014 03:21pm
This is a criminal incident where it so happened that the victim happened to be Pakistani, and certainly would not have been targeted because of his nationality. In fact, all his fellow-students during his two year stint there would have taken him to be an Indian, until he would have voluntarily stated his nationality.
Those who perpetrated this crime, will be caught and punished, and this will happen soon. That's the way the law enforcement works in this part of India. Can anyone say with confidence that the law-enforcement can work as efficiently in Pakistan ?
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May 16, 2014 03:26pm
@jack no one wants to demean himself to stand even next to Indian. Only Indian stands next to Indian.
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May 16, 2014 03:34pm
Hasan, apologizes on behalf of those who don't know the real meaning of Athithi Devo Bhava.. The Guest is God. The university should have enhanced security measures prior to the incident and not after. Hope you revisit India soon. Best of Luck and please don't let the internet troll sway your decision to study in India.. we need people like you on both sides of border who can rise above religion, south asian rivalries to foster good relationship for human progress and development. Again please don't get carried away by the comments section.
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May 16, 2014 03:37pm
@rizwan well the Pakistani singers, Musicians are coming to Indian because of Indian Marketplace and not because of Love for India but still they are loved and respected and sometimes they returned the favor in non-afridi manner. If people can show some love, respect in Non-Afridi manner, irrespective of what region they are from, they will be respected...
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May 16, 2014 03:37pm
we are very sorry for what had happen in university, we always welcome you friend. police will punish those culprits.
god bless Bharat and pakistan
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May 16, 2014 03:43pm
Why would some Pakistani go to India to study in the first place?
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May 16, 2014 03:51pm
It has nothing to do with Indian Nationalism politics as claimed by Communists.Communists have no answer about Maoist killings in India.They of course do not have any answers about the anarchist violence spread by them under the garb of Liberalism & So called Secularism.
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May 16, 2014 03:59pm
Thats a very sad incident .... hope the culprits are taken to task ....
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May 16, 2014 04:04pm
This is sad. It should not have happened. There is bound to be speculation that this may be precursor of the shape of things to come, with consequences for India-Pakistan relations and for Indian Muslims in general. Such ideas can only be speculation. We should hope that the incoming government shall not countenance actions of this kind.
Efforts must be made in Pondicherry to apprehend the culprits and bring them to justice.
This is no way to treat a student from a foreign country.
Thinking Indians should hang their heads in shame. No apologies to the victim shall be enough.
V. C. Bhutani, Edinburgh, 16 May 2014, 1204 GMT
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May 16, 2014 04:29pm
The perpetrators of this shameless act will be found and punished, there is no option! We may have difference of opinions but attacking each other especially when the other is vulnerable and has trusted one enough to come and live in your home for the sake of knowledge is against our culture!
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May 16, 2014 04:32pm
@zak .. Great.. you are true pakistani others are false pakistani.
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May 16, 2014 04:59pm
I think we should not mix with communalism. It often happens when foreign student go out for studies, so many times till last year, Indian students have been victims in Australia. They also face attacks in USA and other countries. The same happens to Pakistani students in other countries. But then these are local happenings. Please do not stretch it to general,attitude of people among the two countries. It should not have happened in this case. The matter should be investigated and culprits punished. So please be cool and take it as another case of local rivalry, enemity or differences between a group of students. The same could have happened to an Indian student in India and in an Indian university.
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May 16, 2014 05:16pm
@Dinesh
Before Mumbai, innocent Pakistani tourists were blown to bits on Indian soil in Samjhauta Express bombing. What's your point? It's people like you on both sides of the border who don't want peace. There are good and bad people in every nation.
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May 16, 2014 05:56pm
These are one off incident and in no way depict true Indian nature. I have association with many Indians abroad and this is not them just like we would never do such a thing to guest in Pakistan but then there are always miscreants with other agendas.
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May 16, 2014 05:59pm
whoever did this are cowards. No sane Indian would ever think about this. Apologies from an Indian . Hope he is alright. No matter who did this , bring them out and punish them severly.
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May 16, 2014 06:10pm
Every country has to make its own place in world where its people are respected. None dare to touch americans since they are strong in economy, military, united and well disciplined. Muslim world has all potentials but lack leadership only.
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May 16, 2014 06:22pm
Generally south india and tamilanadu & pondicherry in particular is a people with soft nature, respsecting guests. in my opinion this attack might be due to a personal problems Mr.Ali hasan raza might have had with his university mates, but not definitely because he is a pakistani. In this part of india there is no gun,bomb culture as in pakistan,north india etc.
He is always welcome back to continue his education in pondicherry. I hope Mr. Ali hasan raza might be having the same opinion as me about the security condition in pondicherry.
please dont spread hatred messages . thank you
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May 16, 2014 06:24pm
Being an Indian I am feeling shame on the issue, though law will perform the duty, but this is truly a timid activity, all logic can not save the criminal, because violence is there, being an Indian I see my brother within every innocent pakistani. We as Indians and pakistansi must condemned this cowardly and despicable act, that took place on my motherland. Mr President has been reported for this and I am sure he will take action against this.
Peace and brotherhood between the two countries is demand of the time, we are already heading slowly, and these type of episode will slower the speed.
I appeal to Mr Sharif to bring his concern in the knowledge of our Prime minister as well as Mr President so that they also can understand the feelings of peace lovers.
I AM FEELING RIGHT-LESS TO SAY "SORRY"
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May 16, 2014 06:25pm
@MP
if you talk like this then you sound as ignorant as the people you are calling ignorant.
I have many Indian friends and none of them are ignorant and low self esteem people as you suggest.
not all Pakistani feels the same way as you do!
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May 16, 2014 06:27pm
@Hina when oil finishes ....thats what you will need
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May 16, 2014 06:47pm
@jen Ye sure you will, LOL
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May 16, 2014 06:48pm
I am a Pakistani and I believe that you have good and bad people in every race, religion and country. That does not make a race, religion or a country bad.
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May 16, 2014 06:52pm
@Kabir What is non afridi, oh I guess you mean never criticise india as it is not tolerated...
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May 16, 2014 06:54pm
Feel ashamed by brutal attack these attackers are not true Indians
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May 16, 2014 07:02pm
@zak
Tell that to Mr. Adnan Sami, Ali Jafar, Rahet Fateh Ali Khan, Gulam Ali, Atif Aslam , Waseem Akram, Rameez Raja etc. who live in India most of the time of the year. Also tell that to other hundreds of Pakistanis who are flocking to India for medical/educational services etc.
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May 16, 2014 07:40pm
I dont understand . I have read this two days ago that it was a acse of "Mistaken Identity" . When Media covers something, it should responsibly cover the entire part! The first suspicion here is that of a "Mistaken identity" do not jump to conclusions.
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May 16, 2014 07:51pm
My apologies to all Pakistanis and especially potential students for this incident. We will find those responsible and punish them severely and ensure that this doesn't happen in the future to any other student.
Our countries have tried 60 yrs to antagonize each other. Its time to give Trust and Mutual respect a choice.
Trust us. Thank you.
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May 16, 2014 07:58pm
@rizwan Yeah you come and shout slogans against India when it loses some match against Pakistan. That is asking for trouble. In young frenzied student crowd few of them will take advantage of it provoke others and protest against it. Sometimes leading to violence.
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May 16, 2014 08:24pm
The culprits must be caught and punished according to Indian law. Pakistani students are as brilliant as Indians or anyone else. Given the opportunities and facilities as given in other developing countries, there is no doubt Pakistanis will excel and reach the highest in all fields.
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May 16, 2014 08:46pm
@Kamran my experience is almost quite different than yours. I know a number of Indians who are very affectionate and peace loving. Yes, exceptions are always there.
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May 16, 2014 09:04pm
As an Indian, I am deeply ashamed and disturbed. We have turned into a country of violent monsters :-( My deepest apologies to the family of Ali Hasan Raza.
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May 16, 2014 09:05pm
As an Indian I am sorry about the treatment given to this guy. Indians and Pakistanis should be friends and partners like Europeans. I hope authors punish those people who mistreat innocent Pakistanis. Insaniyat is greater than any religion or nationality.
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May 16, 2014 09:14pm
Really sorry for wat happened in Pondicherry...You are welcome again and free to study.
We Indians welcome you.
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May 16, 2014 09:19pm
We shouldn't have any relations of any kind with india. It's an enemy, hostile state. Many foreigners are in danger there. When not beaten or robbed, they are raped. Nobody should travel to that despicable country.
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May 16, 2014 09:32pm
@Rakesh Tiku is he crazy? He shouldn't have gone to a hostile india in the first place
Remember the Kashmiris beaten for supporting Pakistan?
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May 16, 2014 09:37pm
This happens even before Modi ( Butcher of Gujrat) has taken oath of Indian PM. Let it be known that humiliating Pakistanis on Indian Soil is not going to solve problems but make it even worse.
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May 16, 2014 09:39pm
Such a shame. Apology from India. But trust me not the whole country is composed of all those crack-pot jingoists.
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May 16, 2014 11:14pm
I do truly realize, understand and agree that such brutal attacks on any human being irrespective of his/her caste, color, creed, community and country are traumatic, unbearable and therefore unacceptable. But then there are civilized and cultured Indians who have sincerely regretted and apologized in their comments on such an inhumane act or deed.
Therefore, in my personal opinion, we as people on both sides should reach a mutual understanding to condemn not in words only but in deeds as well all such barbaric, brutal and inhuman acts that bring shame to us as human beings and ill repute to the Nation or Country.
Lot of blood has been shed by us know and called as human beings and we alone can prevent it from being shed any further.
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May 16, 2014 11:39pm
very painful news for us, guilty should be punished
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May 16, 2014 11:56pm
@Kamran Why such words In bad taste. Be more specific and we will take your words in good spirit to try and improve. I've also met many Pakistanis in US and found them to be very hospitable. I say - more than Indians.
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May 17, 2014 12:49am
@M. Afzal ...More communal riots in India happened during congress rule not MODI.... so yur point is not correct.... Any way this incident is too bad....Recover soon and come back to India for finishing yur studies.
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May 17, 2014 03:24am
People dont just beat you just bcos you come from Pakistan. There must have been some disagreement or arguments about some thing. Lets hear both sides of the story then make judgements
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May 17, 2014 03:30am
@Kamran ....specially the indians from gujrat have ill feelings towards muslims.i live abroad and i speak from experience,they have an attitude problem.
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May 17, 2014 03:57am
@Nomi have the people changed in the border of Pakistan?..........LOL
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May 17, 2014 04:00am
I am embarrassed by this uncivilized behavior of my fellow country men. My sincere apologies to Brother Ali for this offence. India should punish those responsible and apologize for this rude behavior. There can be no excuse to treat a guest in our nation, who has come trusting us.
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May 17, 2014 04:06am
@Siddique --------You can't do anything, your PM will invite him
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May 17, 2014 05:02am
@Dinesh - How is this related to this innocent man being attacked by some goons in a college hostel?
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May 17, 2014 05:10am
This is one rare incident. Much more Pakistanis I know have sweet memories from their Indian visit. Some rotten eggs are everywhere. Myself being an Indian deeply regret and apologise for this incident.
Peace.....
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May 17, 2014 05:10am
@Arnab : Two wrongs don't make a right. You are not helping the goodwill built by so many Indians and Pakistanis on this site by getting into a mud-fest brother. Like it or not we are all sharing some common DNA traits.
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May 17, 2014 06:31am
Mr.Raza is our guest[mehmaan] and guest 'Devo Bhav=guest is God ki rahmat,we die for the honour of our guest,a peculiar aspect of nothern Sub-continental culture from Afghanistan to U.P.in Bharat and therefore assault is very disturbing,Ihope Modi Govt will certainly do the needful and matter must be brought by Mr.Raza's parentHamara sir sharm se jhuk gaya hai.
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May 17, 2014 09:24am
@goldigger absolutely well said my friend. yes no matter where these such extremists live they should not be encouraged. Let us work towards a saner human society that transcends borders and looks at issues on their own merit with the sole intention of finding solutions.
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May 17, 2014 10:11am
@MP Stay tuned bro. you might be surprised to find out how much our relations will improve with Modi at helm like it did with Vajpayee as PM. For this outgoing Cong government every issue was a mathematical calculation of political mileage. Well may be it is for every political party in the world but mired in those calculations the Cong govt totally misplaced the basic theories of governance and national relations.
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May 17, 2014 10:14am
@RJ I am Indian and I second the apologies.
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May 17, 2014 11:58am
@someone these kind people are trying to uplift the low esteemed down trodden Indians as charity work, to make them fee of some worth in the world. Appreciate their deeds.
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May 17, 2014 06:47pm
It is an unfortunate incident. As an Indian i apologize for the unfortunate happening. We all want peace and such incidents should not disturb the process.
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May 17, 2014 09:57pm
Do we know why he was assaulted, heinous as it may be? Could be common criminals looking for valuables. Educational institutes should provide security for their wards. Regardless of national origin or religion. Sad!
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May 18, 2014 10:22pm
My dear brothers and sisters...please note that this incident hasnothing to do with his nationality...it was some group violence between two groups of students regarding cricket match...the victim was wrongly identified in because of room number confusion...
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