Terrorism, slowing economies reason for racist incidents: security expert

Security expert Qamar Agha on Sunday linked terrorism in the Middle East and the slowing economies worldwide to the rising number of racist incidents taking place in the West.

Agha was reacting to the murder of Prabha Arun Kumar, a 41-year-old Indian IT consultant, who was stabbed to death near her house in Sydney on Saturday.

"This is not the first attack. Earlier also, many Indian students were targeted. What we have seen over the past few years is the consistent rise of racial feelings, not only in Australia but also in Europe and the US. It is perhaps due to what is happening in Iraq and Pakistan and the way journalists were attacked in Paris... it is all connected," Agha told ANI.

"Ever since the economies of this country have slowed down, unemployment has grown, which has resulted in feelings against the immigrant population," he added.

However, Agha opined that the close relations between India and Australia might help curb the number of incidents.

"We have very good relations with the Australian government and India is working with them for the peace and stability of the Asia-Pacific region. Prime Minister Modi has also visited Australia last year and consolidated our ties with them. I am sure that the government of India will take up this matter," he said.