A group of African students in the national capital today called off a demonstration to protest the spate of assaults against the community after the government assured them of better security.


The students said they had a meeting with officials of the Ministry of External Affairs where they were assured of security and safety. The government officials also requested them not to go ahead with their planned protest at Jantar Mantar.


"There was a high-level meeting with the Permanent Secretary of Ministry of External Affairs yesterday. He listened to our grievances and has made commitments to ensure our safety in India. Leaders of 15 African countries were also present during the meeting," the Association of African Students in India said in a statement.

It further said, "There was also a meeting with Delhi Police Commissioner and other senior officials where contact details of high level officials were shared with us and they promised us of better policing with respect to Africans".

"There was also a meeting with the African Ambassador body in which they advised us to take the path of diplomacy and hold the Indian government to their words....and also fast track justice for past cases. The parents of Congolese youth M K Olivier have also requested us to not take part in the protest," it said.