‘NRIs, tourists being harassed in Italy’

KOCHI: Alleging that NRIs and tourists from Kerala were being harrassed in Italy in the backdrop of Italian marines’ case, the International Forum for Cultural Heritage and Tradition (IFCHAT) has urged External affairs, Defence Minister and Kerala Chief Minister to intervene.

Austin Paul, president of the Kochi based forum said tourists from the state visiting Rome, Vatican, Milano, Pisa, had complained about the harassment.

Forum urged the Indian government to take up the matter with Italian authorities and ensure the safety of NRIs and pilgrims.

Two Italian marines who had shot and killed two Indian fishermen from a cargo vessel off Kerala coast last year had been arrested and are facing murder charges.