Kenya violence targets Gujarati Hindus

Vadodara: Ever since post-election riots broke out in Kenya, the Gujarati diaspora there has been living in fear. Although no lives have been lost, there has been massive damage to property and businesses owned by Indians, particularly Gujaratis.

In the small town of Kisumu near Nairobi, almost three out of every four businesses owned by Indians have been burnt down, residents said. Many Indians have been holed up in temples for the past two days and are gradually running out of food.

There are close to one lakh Indians in Kenya with 3,000 in Kisumu, the worst-hit town. Kisumu is the stronghold of defeated presidential challenger Raila Odinga. His party, the Orange Democratic Movement, has accused President Mwai Kibaki of rigging the elections. Kibaki won after results were declared on Sunday. Since then, some 300 people have been killed in widespread violence across the country.

Anand Rana, a resident of Kisumu, said, "The town has come to a standstill. Supermarkets and shops are charred beyond recognition. Most Gujaratis are staying in the Swaminarayan temple in Kisumu. We ventured out on Tuesday to take stock of the situation. Almost three-fourths of Indian businesses have incurred huge losses."

Amit Shah, who lives in Nairobi, said the situation was grim on the outskirts of the capital. "The riots have resulted in massive damage to Indian properties." Shail Patel from Nairobi, who is in Gujarat now, said things are under control in the city with the government deploying troops and imposing curfew.

Modi raises voice, rallies behind Kenya Gujaratis

Expressing concern over attacks on Gujaratis and looting of their properties in the run up to the poll in that country, Gujarat Chief Minister has written a letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh urging him to ensure their safety. 

In his letter, Modi voiced his concern over the safety of 400 Gujaratis who have taken shelter in a Swaminarayan temple in Kisumu. Modi wrote: “I am in touch with the Indian Embassy in Kenya and no loss of human life has been reported, but mostly Gujaratis have lost a lot of property.” 

“But I am not happy with the information which has been provided by the Government to the relatives of the Gujarati families who have lost their property in Kenya. I will be very supportive to the Gujarati Kenyan youth, if they want to come back to India,” he added.

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/ 
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