French soldiers kill two Indians in Africa

[MINK]

French soldiers kill two Indians in Africa

French troops guarding the Central African Republic capital Bangui's international airport have accidentally killed two Indian citizens, the French defence ministry said.

Six others were injured in the incident on Monday, a statement said.

India PM Manmohan Singh has said efforts will be made to ensure the safety of 100 Indian nationals in CAR.

Rebels in the CAR have taken Bangui after President Francois Bozize fled.

President Francois Hollande, who has sent hundreds of troops to Bangui, said the rebel fighters must respect the people.

France doubled its military detachment at the airport to around 600 troops on Saturday in order to protect French citizens as rebels approached Bangui.

A French defence ministry statement said its soldiers shot at three vehicles approaching the airport after firing warning shots and themselves coming under fire, a statement said.

Two Indian nationals and a number of Cameroonians were wounded in the attack.

On Monday, Mr Singh received a letter from President Hollande expressing regret for the incident, reports say.

"While conveying his condolences, President Hollande assured prime minister of his firm determination to investigate the tragic event and assured that the injured were under the care of French medical teams," a statement issued by India's external affairs ministry said.

CAR, which has a population of about 4.5 million, has been hit by a series of rebellions since independence from France in 1960.

BBC News - French soldiers kill two Indian nationals in CAR

 

[Ayush]

call them to india then...

 

[janon]

call them to india then...

Of course not, it happened in Central African republic. It is under their jurisdiction, and it is for them to investigate the incident, and to try the soldiers if necessary.

 

[Koovie]

call them to india then...

For what?

It was an accident and it happened outside India, thus we it cannot be handled here!

 

[The_magnificent]

Condolance. Accidents happen everywhere, They were wounded and were being under medical care. They died an unfortunate death but it is not that solders did it intentionally

 

[Abingdonboy]

French President calls Manmohan Singh, regrets death of Indians in Bangui firing

 

[Gandhi G in da house]

Not our jurisdication. Not intentional . Not our business.

Ultra-nationalists should go and take a hike.

 

[Screambowl]

french govt should atleast give compensation

 

[RISING SUN]

call them to india then...

I think you are saying that those Indians who are stranding there in CAR should be brought back to India. India can't bring french troops because it's out of our jurisdiction. Even if it was in our jurisdiction it would have counted as war casualty. They agreed immediately that it was mistaken identity and they also offered the medical help. It happens in war time. No big deal. Only big deal here is that how much France respects India. They not only offered medical help but also french president sent condolences and regrets. No super power or European power self imposed tag. This what we say in our life that respect is earned, not snatched. India and France have great understanding in most of areas. I think if we were to be considered as a Ally then natural choice would be Russia, France and Israel. All three equals. They have helped in those moments when no body was with us. Friend in need is friend indeed.