Irish President Michael D Higgins has issued a strong condemnation of recent racially motivated attacks targeting members of the Indian community in Ireland, describing them as “a stark contradiction to the values that we as a people hold dear.” His remarks come amid growing concern over violent incidents, including the assault of a six-year-old Indian girl, that have shocked both the Indian diaspora and the wider Irish public.

In a statement released on Tuesday, President Higgins expressed deep concern over the rise in xenophobic violence, warning that such acts not only harm the victims but also corrode the moral and cultural foundations of Ireland itself. He emphasised that public spaces, both physical and online, must remain free from hate and incitement to violence, as such negativity undermines the core instincts of friendship, generosity, and care that he believes define Irishness.

The President lauded the contributions of the Indian diaspora, acknowledging their role in enriching Ireland’s social, economic, and cultural life. “Their presence, their work, their culture have been a source of enrichment and generosity to our shared life,” Higgins said, stressing that any form of discrimination against them must be “unequivocally condemned.”

A particularly disturbing element, according to Higgins, is the involvement of minors in these violent acts. Several of the reported incidents have identified young people as perpetrators, raising concerns about the influence of manipulation and extremist rhetoric on impressionable minds. “That any person in Ireland, particularly any young person, should be drawn into such behaviour through manipulation or provocation is to be unequivocally condemned,” he noted.

The attacks have triggered a strong security and community response from law enforcement. An Garda Síochána has increased patrols in affected areas, especially parts of Dublin where tensions have risen. Investigations are underway, with some cases officially being treated as hate crimes. To address the involvement of youth offenders, Gardaí have deployed juvenile liaison officers to work directly with communities, while also liaising with the Indian embassy to provide support and reassurance to victims.

Ireland’s Deputy Prime Minister Simon Harris has also condemned the violence, reaffirming the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety of minority communities. In a public statement, Harris praised the Indian community’s immense contribution to Ireland and assured them of state support in the face of such challenges.

As of 2023, there were around 78,000 Indian nationals living in Ireland, representing less than 2% of the population but making a disproportionate impact in key sectors. For instance, Indian nurses account for 20% of all registered nurses in the country, highlighting their crucial role in the Irish healthcare system.

President Higgins closed his statement with a historical reminder of the deep-rooted ties between Ireland and India, pointing to shared struggles against colonial rule and the influence of figures such as Margaret Cousins, an Irish-born suffragist who became a prominent advocate for women’s rights in India. “To forget that is to lose a part of ourselves,” he concluded, calling for unity, understanding, and a renewed commitment to Ireland’s multicultural identity.

The condemnation from Ireland’s highest political office is seen as a clear message that such acts of racial hostility will not be tolerated, and that the country’s commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion remains steadfast. The coming weeks will likely see both increased law enforcement measures and broader community outreach initiatives aimed at ensuring that Ireland remains a welcoming place for all its residents, regardless of origin.

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