Mangalore: North-East Issue - Mass Exodus Not a Solution, says DCP
Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (VM)
Mangalore, Aug 17: In the wake of mass exodus by north-east people from Bangalore, St Aloysius College organized a meeting to build confidence among the north-east students at it premises here on Friday August 17.
Dharmaiah, DCP crime, circle inspector Vinay Gaonkar, Sadakatulla, incharge of Idgah on Lighthouse Hill, Swebert D’Silva, principal, Francis Almeida, vice-principal were the main speakers of the meeting.
Addressing the meeting, the DCP said that the news of possible is just a rumour and one need not be scared about it. "We belong to one nation, we have the right to live in any part of the country. There are no restrictions on our movements," he added.
He asked the students if they had received any SMS or calls regarding it. When no one replied in the positive, he said, "When we have not received any threat, then what is the point in being scared.
"Fleeing back to north-east or mass exodus is not a solution," he asserted.
He assured full security to the students and asked them to fight together against the rumours. He also asked the students to inform them (officials) in case they receive any prank SMS. Phone numbers of officials were also provided to students.
Prior to the speakers, around six students expressed their views regarding the rumours on the supposed attacks which drove out the north-east students from Bangalore. "Even after assurance by various officials, we still have fear within us," they said.
A student from Nagaland said that she has been in the city for past eight years and had
witnessed any problem. "I think it is all a rumour and not a fact," she said.
On the other hand, a student from Manipur said that he was scared despite the assurances by many people. "I feel like leaving this place and even my parents are tensed," he said.
The principal asked the students to mingle with the local students which would give them more confidence. He also assured full support from the management of the College.
Sanath Kumar, president, Richard Gonsalves, student council director, John D’Silva, Judith Pinto, vice-principal, Nirmala, Ronald Pinto also expressed their support to the students. "Let us work hand in hand with the officials to punish the culprits," they said, assuring full security.
After the meeting, some students came forward to express their gratitude towards the principal and the officials for building their confidence.