Muslim leaders urge northeast people, especially students, not to believe in rumours that they would be attacked in retaliation to the violence in Assam
Muslim leaders and Islamic organisations yesterday appealed to the northeast people, especially students, to remain in Bangalore and not to believe in rumours that they would be attacked in retaliation to the recent Assam ethnic violence.
Homeward bound: Northeastern residents wait on a train platform as they prepare to leave the city following rumours of communal violence against them, at a railway station in Bangalore yesterday. Pic AFP
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“Don’t leave Bangalore, dear Assamese friends. We love you!” and “Bangalore is safe. No need to fear. Stay back” are some of the slogans on placards carried by about 50 members of the Students Islamic Organisation of India (SIOI) at the city railway station.
Even as police scotched rumours of retaliatory attacks on northeast people after Ramadan as a backlash, Muslim leaders in the city warned anti-social elements against spreading rumours, circulating mischievous messages or threatening anyone, especially people from northeast.
“We condemn all those who are indulging in rumour-mongering and causing panic among the northeast people, especially students who have been residing in Bangalore or cities across the state over the years. There is no truth in what is being falsely spread or circulated through SMS or social media. Don’t believe in them and leave the city,” a member of the Bangalore Islamic Foundation Trust said.
Alarmed over reports that a section of the minority community was behind the rumours, SIOI member Tauseef Ahmad said that it was unfortunate that they (Muslims) were being blamed for the wild rumours without being investigated or substantiated.
“It is for police to investigate who is behind such rumours and punish the guilty. How can anyone be accused of threatening the northeast people, including students, of revenge for some violence in Assam with which they are in no way connected,” Ahmad said.
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