Northeast people flee Bangalore

The chief minister of India's Karnataka state assured people from northeast India living in the state they are safe and under protection by the government. As many as 6,800 people left Bangalore Wednesday night after receiving text messages that said people from northeast would be attacked as a retaliation to attacks on Muslims in Assam, The Times of India reported. Karnataka Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar said Thursday there were no attacks Wednesday night. "There is no need to panic. What you have heard is rumours. You people have lived here for many years and have become one among us. Leaving state is not good news. We will provide you full protection," Shettar said. To ensure safety, police have been posted to the areas where large numbers of northeast people reside, Shettar said. "Patrolling the area will be done. This apart, security will be provided to the properties of those who have already left Bangalore. Police will be holding peace committee meeting involving all the sections of the society," he said, adding that we would not allow clashes on region, caste, or race grounds to occur in Karnataka.