New Delhi, Aug 16: Noting that fear is prevailing in the minds of people belonging to the northeast, BJP today demanded that the Centre guarantee the safety and security of the people who have become target of attacks in many states.
“We will give total moral support but state governments and the Centre should guarantee safety and security of northeast people and ensure that not a single person leaves the state,” Opposition leader Sushma Swaraj told reporters outside Parliament.
The BJP leader said, “Because of the sad demise of Vilasrao Deshmukh both Houses were adjourned today otherwise we would have raised the issue of the plight of northeast people and students. There is a fear atmosphere prevailing in the minds of northeast people.”
She noted that she had given notice for postponement of the question hour to raise the issue in the Lok Sabha.
Voicing concern over repeated violence involving northeast people, she said, “After the Kokrajhar violence, northeast people are becoming target of violence in many areas in the country. Rumours are being spread to create fear in the minds of northeast people.”
Referring to the Bangalore episode where about 5000 people have left the city by train to Guwahati, she said, “The Prime Minister has spoken to Karnataka Home Minister. Violent incidents took place also in Maharashtra and Andhra but he did not speak to Home Ministers of these states.” As far as Karnataka is concerned, she said the Chief Minister has convened a meeting of Muslim representatives as well as northeast representatives also.
“The Chief Minister has assured northeast people that they will be not be subjected to any kind of violence in the state and would be given full protection.” “The Karnataka Home Minister was present at the Bangalore station and appealed to the northeast people over the public address system not to leave Karanataka and also assured that the state will give full protection to them.”
She suggested that the Maharashtra and Andhra Home Ministers should also convene such meetings and give assurances to people from the northeast that they will be protected.
