Northeast people have fled Bangalore overnight amid the rumours that they could be attacked like some of their compatriots in Pune and Mumbai in the aftermath of Assam riot. Over 6,000 people are reported to have fled. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh spoke to Karnataka Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar and in his Independence Day address Jagadish Shetta assured people from the Northeast of security.
Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde also spoke to Shettar on phone Wednesday night and was understood to have asked him to ensure the safety of people from northeastern states in Karnataka.
The Bangalore City railway station was flooded with people from Northeastern states to board the available trains as rumours spread that some people from the state had been subjected to attacks in the city, which was promptly denied by police.
Shettar said that he told the Prime Minister and the Home Minister that “there is no untoward incident nor is there any threat to people of northeastern states. I promised that necessary steps would be taken to give protection to these people”.
In the wake of abrupt exodus of passengers, the South Western Railway decided to run a special train.
Today also, railway officials said they would run more special trains for those wishing to travel to the Northeast, if the situation demands.
Shettar assured protection and deputed Deputy Chief Minister R Ashoka, who also holds Home portfolio, to instill confidence in the panic-stricken people and convince them not to leave the city.
The Chief Minister said police officials have been using public address system at the railway station to reassure the northeastern people gathered there and assured them protection.
Shettar said Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi also spoke to him over phone and he assured him that all possible assistance and protection would be given to his state people.
Earlier in the day, State’s DGP Lalrukuma Pachau, who also hails from the Northeast, said interest of these people will be protected and their safety ensured.
In Mysore, a Tibetan college student is battling for life after being stabbed by two persons who suspected him to be from northeastern region.
A high-level meeting has been called today. This meeting has to be attended by senior government and police officials. Representatives from the northeastern community would be attending this meeting too.