The students from North-Eastern states studying in Dharwad are least affected by the rumours of a possible attack on those from North East. The hurried exodus of their counterparts in Bangalore has also not had any impact on them. Large number of students particularly from Manipur, Meghalaya, Tripura and Nagaland are studying for professional courses here. However, the college authorities and the local police have ensured total security to these students.
The students from these region said they were not unduly worried about the rumours and that they felt safe in Dharwad. About 26 students from North-Eastern states are studying at the B D Jatti Homeopathy College in Dharwad. When asked about the rumours students said they find Dharwad as a secured city and added that they had not received any threat.
Roni Bala who is a native of Manipur said she was totally unaware of the rumours spread that the people from North-Eastern sates residing in Karnataka would be attacked after August 20. The college authorities have enhanced the security for the students and even CCTv is installed in the hostel premises. Security guards are also deployed in the hostel and no stranger would be allowed to enter unless he discloses identity. When contacted, college Principal A A Kulkarni stated that based on the media reports, panic stricken parents of a few students called and enquired about the safety of their children. No student has left for the native, he said.
In the meantime, the police security in the college has been beefed up. Strict vigilance has been kept to check untoward incidents and ensure security to these students.
Police have also kept a close watch on the students from north-east states studying at SDM Dental College.
The college Principal Srinath Thakur stated that two students from Assam, two from Meghalaya and one from Uttarkhand are studying BDS in Dental College in Dharwad. Of the five students one girl student Sartaz Rahman who is from Assam has gone to her native to celebrate Ramzan. The remaining four students are residing in the hostel and absolute protection is given to them. Cctvs are installed in and around the hostel premises and the students are not allowed to go outside the hostel unless there is an emergency.
He further added that the college officials on learning about the incident have held a meeting with the students and have ensured them security.
He said, the police are visiting the college and have ensured safety of these students. Hubli-Dharwad Police have made elaborate arrangements to ensure the security of students and citizens from North-East residing in the twin cities and also in the Tibetian colony of Mundgod in Uttara Kannada district.
Hubli-Dharwad Police Commissioner K Ramachandra Rao told on Thursday that he had convened a meeting of administrators of Mundgod Tibetian Colony and discussed with them about their apprehensions. Everyday several Tibetians residing in the colony visit Hubli and they were assured protection. Rao said nearly 200 students from the colony would be visiting Bailukuppe near Mysore for an examination and they had sought protection during the journey. The police have promised protection.
Similarly the students from North Eastern states studying in various professional colleges in the twin cities would be given protection and plainclothesmen would guard the localities housing these students.
The top cop also held a meeting with the office bearers of Anjuman-E-Islam of Dharwad and Hubli and discussed about the apprehension of the NE citizens. The office bearers made it clear at the meeting that the Muslims would observe Ramzaan in a peaceful manner and there was no reason for anybody to be apprehensive about any trouble. The Presidents of Anjuman told the police that they would send circulars to all the Mutuvalli’s of mosques and areas to ensure peaceful celebration of Ramzaan.
Ramchandra Rao said he had given the telephone numbers of the senior officers to the people from North East residing in twin cities and they could call the officers in case they need any help.
