AP Police denies exodus of NE migrants; assure them of safety

"Hyderabad is known for its communal harmony.. And I am assuring the Assamese people of their safety and they should not to get panicky by rumours. For the past two days, we are reviewing the situation. No attacks (on Assamese) happened in Hyderabad," State Director General of Police V Dinesh Reddy told reporters here.

Police have intensified patrolling and pickets have also been deployed in the state. Besides, armed escorts are being provided for trains coming from Bangalore carrying people from Northeast and other parts that were passing through Andhra Pradesh, he said.

On reports that people of North-East were fleeing from Hyderabad, the police chief said "no one went fearing attacks. It is their worried family members and elders who are calling them and asking them to come back. Only a few people left...But there is no exodus."

"We are giving armed escort to trains passing through Andhra Pradesh. Armed platoons have been posted in areas where Assamese stay and patrolling has also been intensified in order to instill confidence among those people," the DGP added.

Hyderabad Police Commissioner Anurag Sharma said rumours (of attacks on Assamese) did not start in Andhra Pradesh.

Asked about security arrangements provided to panic-stricken people of North-east region, the Hyderabad Police chief said "we have asked all our SHOs to be aware of this particular situation. They have been asked to immediately look into the complaints take necessary action if anybody calls them so that this atmosphere of fear goes away."