In olden days, India was regarded as a land of milk and honey where it was believed that the streets were paved with gold. This attracted invaders from other Asian countries who came to our lands to plunder our temples of gold. This was followed by the Portuguese and the British who came in their droves to settle and rule over the ever hospitable peoples. Now the tables have turned and people from Asian and African countries come here to escape strife and poverty in their countries and receive free hand outs from the State. In the process many lose their lives.
Over the Christmas period, 65 people in five separate groups came to Britain after a journey by boat across the English Channel. This was preceded a few months ago when at least 400 migrants who were trying to reach Europe from Libya were killed after their boat capsized. The capsized boat, which was carrying about 550 people, flipped over around 24 hours after leaving the Libyan coast. Before that, more than 500 migrants had already died crossing the Mediterranean so far this year. Also,a fishing boat trying to smuggle up to 700 migrants to Europe capsized near Lampedusa in Italy. So what could be done to prevent such incidents occuring again? Prosperous countries like Britain and America should consider ways to alleviate poverty in African countries so that these people do not need to migrate to the shores of wealthier places.
Dinesh Sheth
Newbury Park, Ilford
