New Delhi:
The Ministry of External Affairs issued a press release yesterday over the killing of two Indians by French troops in the ongoing civil war in Central Africa.
Below is the press statement.
Prime Minister today received in Durban a letter from President Francois Hollande of France expressing regret for the tragic incident in which two Indian nationals were killed and six others seriously injured at Bangui Airport in the Central African Republic this morning by French troops, who were guarding the airport. Bangui, Central African Republic, has been a overrun by a rebel group in the ongoing civil war in the country.
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.
Prime Minister expressed his deep distress at the loss of innocent lives. he has directed that all efforts be made to ensure the safety of approximately 100 Indian nationals in the Central African Republic, mainly in and around Bangui. The Indian Ambassador to the Democratic Republic of Congo, who is concurrently accredited to the Central African Republic is making necessary arrangements for the return of the mortal remains of the Indian nationals in accordance with the desires of their next of kin.