THE anger and frustration of Indian students spilled on to the streets of Melbourne yesterday as scuffles broke out during their protest against continued violent attacks.
There was pushing and shoving on the steps of Flinders Street Station after the crowd of about 2000 refused to move and began pelting the windows above the station entrance with stones and bottles.
Up to 60 police, some on horseback, soon restored order and pushed the crowd back onto the streets.
An Indian law student, who did not wish to be named, said the police had caused the trouble by pushing people back. One man, a 22-year-old from St Albans, was charged with riotous behaviour and criminal damage.
Gautam Gupta, a spokesman for the Federation of Indian Students of Australia, said late last night that the protesters had issued a series of demands, which the State Government must meet.
"We want a multicultural police section and we want crime statistics made public so that we know the extent of the problem," he said.
The protesters also wanted on-site accommodation for Indian students at all universities and colleges.
"We want blanket cover for all international students, covering them for accidents and assaults and the government should run an ad campaign highlighting positive influence that migrants and international students have made to this country."
Mr Gupta blamed outsiders for the trouble outside the station, saying it was always meant to be a peaceful rally.
"People have been angry over the past few weeks, especially the young people, but it was supposed to be a peaceful rally. Unfortunately there were some agitators there, stirring things up … They had their own agenda," he said.
Yarra Trams said services along Swanston and Flinders streets had been disrupted since 2.30 pm yesterday and would not run until the area was cleared. Cars were also blocked along Flinders Street.
As the night drew, protester numbers dropped to about 600, and they decided to stage a sit-down protest.
A protester shouted: "If you are a real Indian, you will not leave until the morning", and many agreed.
The march started peacefully earlier in the day at the Royal Melbourne Hospital, where 25-year-old Sravan Kumar Theerthala remains in a serious condition in intensive care after being stabbed in the head with a screwdriver at a party in Hadfield two weekends ago.
Nearly 2000 students chanted as they marched down Melbourne's streets, carrying signs which read "I pay fees, I pay tax, I get stabbed in Oz" and "Racism is more dangerous than swine flu". While there was widespread support for the rally, there was also evidence of the racism the students were protesting against.
Several bystanders yelled racial slurs, one man shouting at the protesters to "f--- off home".
Among the marchers were friends of Mr Theerthala.
Srikanth Guttapalia said that the 25-year-old was now breathing unaided, but his long-term prognosis was still uncertain.
"We are hoping, praying for the best," he said. "But these attacks have been happening for a long time, and it is very serious. People are scared. Everyone has roommates and classmates who have been attacked."
Suresh Chokkakula said agencies promoting international study "painted a picture that Australia is very safe".
"But it is not safe; the picture is very different. We do not feel safe, we do not feel welcome, in this city."
Baljinder Singh is still recovering in The Alfred hospital, a week after he was stabbed in the stomach with a screwdriver by two men as they robbed him of his wallet.
"My advice to every Indian student now who wants to come to Australia is, 'Please don't come'."
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