From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Bangalore
Bangalore, Aug 21: The tight security cover and vigilance maintained in the City, including the deployment of Rapid Action Force personnel in strategic places in Bangalore, in the wake of the large-scale migration of people from the North-East to their native places following rumours of violent attacks would be continued for another week to ensure peace.
Karnataka’s Deputy Chief Minister R Ashok, who is also the minister in charge of Home and Transport Departments, told a delegation led by Central Tibetan Administration Home Minister Gyari Dolma that the Government decided to continue the security measures as part of the steps to protect the people residing in Bangalore.
The State police have already arrested 20 persons in connection with spreading of rumours while five persons were held for sending ``hate’’ SMS threats.
Security personnel have been deployed in sensitive parts of the city to ensure peace and safety to northeast people. The deployed security personnel would discharge their duty in the city for one more week, he said.
The Tibetan minister thanked the State Government for its effective and speedy measures for protecting the people of north-east residing in the city, who included about 45,000 Tibetans.
The exodus of Northeast people started on August 15 following spread of rumours of reprisals over Assam violence and continued for about four days with up to 30,000 people rushed to their native places.
Ashok appealed to people from Northeast, who fled the State for their home towns following rumours of attacks, to return to the City for their work and continue education. “The deadline of August 20 set by rumour-mongers to create violence and attack Northeast people has already passed and there was no violence in any part of the state or the city,” he said declaring that the Government would take all steps to ensure their safety.
Stating that over 3.5 lakh people from Northeastern states were living in several parts of Karnataka, he said only 25,000 have returned to their home towns and theremaining are living here.
As part of reaching out to Northeasterners and reassure their safety, Ashok said he planned to visit Northeast states to meet those who had fled the city and seek their return.