Zeenews Bureau
New Delhi: Despite assurances from the Centre as well as the state governments, the exodus of people from the North East continued from different cities for the third day on Friday.
The Prime Minister has reassured the country. He said, "At all cost we will ensure peace and harmony in the country. We would like all state governments to work with local communities to this effect."
However, the situation remains grim in cities like Bangalore, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Pune as thousands of people from the North East queuing up at railway stations to catch the next train to back home.
Panic stricken people are heading back home on basis of rumours warning of an impending attack on them as retaliation to the communal clashes in Assam. Some others said they are going back as their family wants them back home to avoid any ‘risk’.
In Bangalore, the situation is tense despite all out efforts by the state government and the city police to make people safe. Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar has asked students and professionals not to leave the city and assured that everybody will be protected, but the situation remains grim.
Railways are running special trains to Guwahati clear the extra rush of passengers.
Importantly, the source of the rumor is yet to be ascertained by the state police. The exodus was trigged after a Tibetan was stabbed to death in Mysore a few days back. As in Bangalore, people from the North-East are also leaving Mysore, reports said.
Across the border in Andhra Pradesh, there are fears that Hyderabad will witness scenes similar to the ones in Bangalore. People from North-East are preparing to leave the cyber city, reports said.
In Mumbai, hundreds of people from North-East are leaving the metropolis. The state government has assured complete security to the people but the appeal doesn’t seem to be working at this juncture.
Situation is tense in Pune after students from the North-East were attacked last week. Thirteen people have been arrested in connection with the case even as the forensic report has found that an inflammatory SMS that trigged the attack was doctored to ignite passion.
In Delhi, the BJP may move an adjournment motion on the issue in Parliament today.
Zeenews.com appeals to all the people to not go by rumours that are designed to create wedge between different communities.
First Published: Friday, August 17, 2012, 09:40