After putting the blame for the violence in Assam on “outsiders,” the Bharatiya Janata Party has sought measures to prevent exodus of the northeast people from Karnataka and other States.
BJP president Nitin Gadkari and Leader of the Opposition Sushma Swaraj have argued that people of the northeast have become potential targets in many parts of the country due to the violence unleashed by “outsiders” in Assam and it was for the Centre to take measures to ensure that steps were taken to provide security to the northeast people.
The party took exception to the Prime Minister singling out the Home Minister of Karnataka seeking a safety assurance for the people from the northeast while there have been reports of some incidents involving people of the northeast from Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh too.
“We will give total moral support but State governments and the Centre should guarantee the safety and security of northeast people and ensure that not a single person leaves the State,” Ms. Swaraj told reporters.
She said that after the Kokrajhar violence, the northeast people were being targeted in many parts of the country. Rumours were being spread to create fear in their minds.
On the exodus of over 5,000 people from Bangalore, she said the State government had reviewed the situation and taken all steps to ensure the safety and security of the northeast people.
She said the Maharashtra and Andhra Home Ministers should also convene such meetings and give assurances to the people from the northeast that they would be protected.
Ms. Swaraj said each BJP worker would come forward to provide safety and security to them. “ABVP workers will also provide security to these students on all campuses.”
