NEW DELHI, May 2 : Following reports of some Indian students likely being detained for participating in the massive pro-Palestine protests that rocked Columbia University, the MEA said on Thursday that no Indian students or their families have contacted the ministry so far for any assistance.
Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, answering a question on the matter, said: “So far no Indian students or their families have contacted us for any assistance in regard to the disciplinary action which has been taken for their participation in the protest.
He added: “But at the same time we also want to say that we expect all our citizens at home and abroad to respect local laws and regulations.”
On the pro-Palestine protests, the MEA said last week that “In every democracy, there has to be the right balance between freedom of expression, sense of responsibility and public safety and order.
“Democracies in particular should display this understanding in regard to other fellow democracies. After all, we are all judged by what we do at home and not what we say abroad.
“We are always in touch with Indian students. And as and when there are issues which have to be resolved, we’ll look into it.”
On Wednesday, New York police officers stormed Columbia University’s campus, after the pro-Palestine students protest escalated with the occupation of a building. Over 50 protesters were detained.
Protesting students risk immediate loss of their F-1 and J-1 visas, leading to potential deportation.
Dependents of expelled students face immediate invalidation of their F-2 visas. (UNI)
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