Don’t believe in rumours

As over 20,000 people hailing from north-east states flee Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Pune after threats following from the agitation between Bodos and migrant Muslims in Assam, Delhi urges them not to panic.

As over 20,000 people hailing from north-east states flee Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Pune after threats following from the agitation between Bodos and migrant Muslims in Assam, Delhi urges them not to panic.

Northeastern-women-wait-with-their-baggage-to-board-trains-home-at-a-railway-station-in-Bangalore-Thousands-of-people-from-the-northeast-are-fleeing-the-IT-city-spurred-by-rumours-they-would-be-attacked-in-retaliation-for-communal-violence-in-Assam-AP-Aijaz-Rahi

The fear spread after many people hailing from the north-eastern states and residing in metropolitan cities started getting death threats from agitated communal activists over SMS and email. An attack on a student in Pune and a security guard in Bengaluru, along with a violent mob that erupted in Mumbai outside the Azad Maidan recently, have heightened the fear among migrants.

“It is sad and scary but people should not panic. Maintain your calm and take police help if needed. This is not a new thing; we have always faced this kind of a situation, says Jenjum Gadi, Delhi-based fashion designer whose hometown is in Arunachal Pradesh. Member of Parliament, Agatha Sangma has also been reported as saying that the police and individual state governments should take action to ensure that nobody from the North Eastern states are targeted. “To all the people from the north-east states, please be positive and don’t fall for rumours. The government has assured security and protection ... I am sure everyone is going to be safe out there. We certainly do not want innocent people to be victimized,” says stylist Ranjunee, who belongs from Mizoram.

Lhusisato Iralu, president, Naga Students’ Union, Delhi, says, “Many friends in DU and other colleges also got these viral messages. My message for them is to be alert and not fall for hoaxes.”

The conflict-torn areas have sent a clear message that the hidden volcanoes need to be defused with wisdom. we should be brave and unafraid.
Cheyyrian Bark from Guwahati, vocalist, The Vinyl Records

To all the people from the north-east states, please be positive and don’t fall for rumours. The government has assured security.
Ranjunee, stylist, from Mizoram

It is sad and scary but people should not panic. Maintain your calm and take police help if needed. such situations are nothing new to us.
Jenjum Gadi, fashion designer, from Arunachal Pradesh

Some miscreants have ignited the entire situation. Maintaining calm is of utmost importance at the moment.
Lhusisato Iralu, President, Naga Students’ Union, Delhi

Helplines for people from north-east states
* Bengaluru: 80-22250999/ 22942222
* Hyderabad: 9490617100, 9490617370
* Pune, Mumbai: 020-66803300/022-26842562
* Delhi: 9436232244, 9810554901