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Students from NE try to flee Bangalore after assault reports

August 16, 2012 10:31 IST

In the aftermath of the violence at Azad Maidan, Mumbai, and some stray incidents in Hyderabad, many people from north-eastern states in Karnataka are trying to leave Bangalore and go back home.

Over 5,000 people from north-east, most of them students from Guwahati, were seen assembling at the city's central railway station as they tried to head back home.

The railways has decided to add four coaches to the train to Guwahati to accommodate the additional rush of people. Another special train was pressed into service late on Wednesday night for the students to return home.

Panic among students from north-east states spread further after a Tibetan student was stabbed in Mysore in an apparent case of mistaken identity.

The students have claimed that they are being targetted in various places, especially in Bangalore, and though some of them have been assaulted, the media has not reported these incidents.

On the other hand, the police say that no complaint has been registered and none of the students have come forward to seek their help.

A student, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that her friend had been attacked. The attackers allegedly threatened her that the situation would get worse for them after August 20. They were also told to return to their respective states immediately.

These students believe that these threats and assaults are in retaliation to the recent violence against the minority community in Assam.

The police have stated that there is no cause for panic as it has been caused by mere rumours. The police claim that the situation is under control.

Karnataka Director General of Police Lalrokhuma Pachau has urged students from north-east to approach the police, which would provide the requisite protection. The state government has also urged the students not to panic as it would take care of their safety

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has called Karnataka Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar over the issue and urged him to protect the interests of the people.

Vicky Nanjappa