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Tension in Bangalore, Pune calms down
As rumors push thousands from northeast to flee Bangalore, Pune - which actually witnessed violence against students from northeast last week - is coming back to normal, thanks to prompt police action.
As rumors push thousands from northeast to flee Bangalore, Pune - which actually witnessed violence against students from northeast last week - is coming back to normal, thanks to prompt police action.
The city was the first place outside the northeast where students from the area were attacked following the violence in Assam.
Five incidents took place on August 8 and 9 - three of them at Puna College - triggering widespread panic. Fourteen youths were arrested and charged with rioting.
Investigations revealed that a provocative MMS - showcasing violence against Muslims in Assam and Myanmar -was being circulated in the city.
"We have already written to Google and other service providers, wanting to know how these MMS can be stopped. I am sure something positive will come up," said additional police commissioner CP Daithankar.
After Sunday's violence in Mumbai's Azad Maidan, Pune police organised peace committee meetings in areas where students from the northeast live.
The 7,000-odd students from north-eastern states have also set up a forum to protect their interests.
Now, with reports of the Bangalore exodus pouring in, Rock Lung, convener of North-East Students' Forum, has appealed for restrain.
Students have been asked not to give credence to rumours or forward sensitive SMS or MMS.
"I must appreciate the concern shown by police and Punites," Rock Lung said.
"Whatever happened was because of misunderstanding. It was not a communal problem".
