International pupils in Cork have voiced worries regarding their wellbeing after it was reported that two individuals who came from India to enrol at University College Cork (UCC) were accosted last Saturday by a group of young people in the city centre, who threw ropes around their necks.
Dr Lekha Menon Margassery, head of the UCC Indian Alumni Community, is advocating for an escalation of law enforcement functions within Cork city centre, attributing these events to racial discrimination. Dr Margassery conveyed that one of the students was engaged in a telephone conversation with a friend next to Carroll’s gift shop on Patrick Street around 5.30pm last Saturday when an assailant threw a rope around his neck. She told, “Out of nowhere, a bloke flung a plastic rope around this lad’s neck in an attempt to choke him. Miraculously, the student managed to remove the rope and escape.”
The student subsequently crossed the road, resumed walking and managed to photograph the group of teenagers. Dr Margassery mentioned another event that took place about a half hour later across Adelaide Street and North Main Street, targeting the same students by the same group of teenagers. She explained, “These lads used to work back in India, but they got a leave of absence from their employer to come here for their Masters degrees.”
The victims are a married couple, and again, the husband was the target. Upon seeing the same man put a rope around his neck, he instantly pulled it off. An accompanying boy, roughly ten years old, found amusement in the situation, treating it as a laughing matter. “It’s absolutely terrifying – it could happen to anyone”, said Dr Margassery.
The alarming incidents seem to have surged in recent times; around a month ago, graduates were verbally assaulted in Paul Street shopping centre in Cork while merely purchasing groceries. They were surrounded by a group of people who berated them and told them to go back to their country. Shocked by these turn of events, Dr Margassery mentioned that she had been living there since 2008, and it is only the last half a year that she has been hearing news of this sort.
Dr Margassery expressed concern that the inaugural impacted student is hesitant to vacate the UCC campus. The student prefers an on-campus job, fearing to venture into the city centre for part-time employment. Dr Margassery emphasised that international students arrive in Ireland for exploration and cultural learning in a different country.
“But if they are intimidated and remain within the campus, they are unlikely to form connections,” she explained. The doctor voiced her apprehensions. “We’ve fostered a diverse and harmonious community here, one known for its hospitality. How can I assure them of safety when such occurrences are happening? And how can I guarantee prospective pupils’ safety?” she questioned.
Dr Margassery, a previous local election contestant, has always regarded Cork as a cordial and inviting place. Yet, the recent hostility increase towards foreigners has made her insecure about socialising in Cork’s city centre.
“People are unnerved … I’m of the opinion that we need more law enforcement. It’s shaken the entire international student community.”
The initial student lodged an official complaint with the gardaí, who have been notified of the second occurrence. However, the student targeted in this instance decided against filing an official complaint.
In the meantime, the Garda press office verified receiving a report concerning an alleged assault, which transpired on St Patrick’s Street in Cork the previous Saturday afternoon.
“No injuries were reported at the time. Investigations are in progress.”
A spokesman for the Garda press office is making enquiries with the relevant district concerning the second alleged incident.