Trains, which carried thousands of people (who hailed from north eastern communities) from Bangalore to Guwahati, unfortunately returned empty last night, which apparently showed the signs of panic among the people of north east states despite state government and other associations' assurance that complete security would be provided to them. There were three trains-which left for north east states-last week and returned last night only. All the three trains were reportedly empty, which disappointed some activists, who reached at the station to welcome the north east people back to Bangalore.

The activists, who arrived at the station, belonged to north east communities and were presumably 50 in number. The sources said they printed thousands of leaflets and visiting cards on which it was written: “Welcome to Bangalore. Do you need any assistance? We are here to help you. Please contact 9845967545/94882396178 [from] Civil Society and Humanitarian Organisations.”

It may be noted that some miscreants allegedly spread rumours that people from north east communities would be attacked in Bangalore after Eid-Ul-Fitr only to avenge the recent clashes in Assam, which claimed over 70 lives. The government, which responded promptly, has appealed the scores of north east people not to leave for their states only in the wake of these rumours. However, the panicked students and other workers from north east states, who resided in Bangalore fled to their home towns.

(AW Phani)