Title - Central Station turns transit hub

The city’s Central Railway Station turned into a refugee transit centre for the natives of the Northeast, who fled the city for the second day on Friday.

Hundreds of people from the Northeast, predominantly from Assam, working in different parts of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu gathered at the (Central) station to catch special trains.

“I am rushing home, though Chennai is safer for me. However, if the SMS rumour comes true and I am killed, my parents would at least get an opportunity to see my body,” said Mitralal from Tinsukia district, about 480 km from Guwahati.

Interestingly, most panic-stricken commuters have not seen the infamous Short Message Service (SMS) and Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS), which allegedly warned them of an impending attack. Northeasterners employed in various sectors like construction, housekeeping and private security fled the city. Women were also seen seated in long queues for their next train to Guwahati.

“We are leaving on our parents’ insistence after rumours of impending large-scale violence. Though the question of survival arises, we can still lead a life in Assam,” said Herumba, who hails from Golaghat district in Assam.