3 hrs ago

Singapore Investigates Racist Comments Targeting Indians After Floods

Singapore police are investigating hateful online comments about people of Indian origin.

Some comments appeared after nine Singaporeans went missing during floods in Nepal.

Other comments discussed Air India and Singapore Airlines.

Some people used insulting words and stereotypes about Indians.

Senior Minister K. Shanmugam said the remarks were shameful and unacceptable.

Former Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said people should respond to tragedy with compassion instead of hatred.

Singapore’s digital authorities may ask websites to remove or limit posts that break the rules.

Leaders warned that racist comments can hurt trust and social harmony.

Key facts

Missing Singaporeans: Nine Singaporeans were reported missing after the August 26 disaster in Nepal.
Police investigation: Singapore police are looking into racist and xenophobic comments posted online.
Senior minister’s response: K. Shanmugam called some remarks “shameful, nasty and totally unacceptable.”
Examples of abusive language: Authorities cited “ABNN,” “CECA faces,” and stereotypes involving snakes, curry, prata, and black magic.
Platform action: Singapore’s Ministry of Digital Development and Information said it would ask platforms to remove comments breaching guidelines; authorities also ordered access restricted for 14 alleged anti-Indian posts.
Air India ownership: Singapore Airlines holds a 25.1% stake in Air India, while Tata Sons owns the remainder.
Funding request: Air India reportedly sought approximately $1.5 billion in fresh equity from its shareholders.
Lee Hsien Loong’s appeal: Lee urged Singaporeans to reject hatred and support one another regardless of race, language, or religion.

indianexpress.com · 3 hrs ago

wionews.com · 1 hr ago