Muslims tell northeast people to remain in Bangalore

Bangalore  :  Muslim leaders and Islamic organisations Thursday 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.

“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 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 told IANS on anonymity.

Alarmed over reports that a section of the minority community was behind the rumours, Students Islamic Organisation of India member Tauseef Ahmad told IANS 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.