Karnataka - Mysore   

Fear forces them out of their homes

— PHOTO: M.A. SRIRAM

Safety first: Sarojamma and her children leaving the area with their belongings.

MYSORE: Fear grips the hapless people of Kyatamaranahalli, which witnessed communal violence on Thursday, despite the presence of the Rapid Action Force (RAF) and the State police personnel.

Though their presence has brought confidence among residents of one part of Kyatamaranahalli, those living on the Harishchandra Ghat Road are scared. It was their houses that were ransacked by mobs on Thursday. Fearing for their lives and to protect their meagre belongings, they are migrating to safer zones. These are the people who had recently returned to their houses after violence rocked Kyatamaranahalli in April. Siddarju, his head covered with a bandage, said: “Don’t ask me anything. I am leaving the area.” People were seen carrying their belongings on their heads or pulling carts carrying their possessions. Sarojamma (40), who sells Agarbatti sticks, was carrying away whatever remained after a mob ransacked her house. Her two children were also carrying bundles. Sobbing, she said: “I have been living here for the past 30 years. My children have not eaten since yesterday. One of my friends has offered temporary shelter and I am moving there.” A senior police officer, who has been camping at Tent Circle since Thursday morning, said that had the police not opened fire, at least 10 more people would have been killed. ‘Despite our efforts to create confidence among the people, it is difficult to persuade them against leaving the area. The scars of the April violence are still fresh,” he said.

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