Title - Words of reassurance at station

It was not that the northeast migrants heading home were left to themselves at the City railway station. A minister and activists of several groups turned up to allay the migrants’ fears and dissuade them from going home.
    The activists were from India Against Corruption, RSS, ABVP and Sri Rama Sene. The panicky migrants were in no mood to be influenced by their reassuring messages.
    Students Islamic Organisation of India activists too were present, waving banners: “Don't leave Bangalore, dear Assamese friends. We love you!” and “Bangalore is safe. No need to fear. Stay back.”
    Law and parliamentary affairs minister S Suresh Kumar was at the station for about three hours and spoke to them, assuring them of police protection and government help. “We know the trouble spots and police will be able to crack down on the rumour mongers,” he said.
    “We heard that many people had not eaten and were sleeping on the platforms. We are here to help them and provide food. We are also trying to talk them out of their fear that they will be attacked,” said Nitin Sharma, India Against Corruption (IAC) volunteer.
    ABVP members and Sri Rama Sene activists shouted slogans, offering help to the migrants and pleading with them not to flee. “We have started four helpline numbers at the railway station and set up helpdesks. We are also ready to take people to our care centre in Seshadripuram,’ said Prem, secretary, ABVP, Bangalore.
    “I don’t know who these people are but they certainly won’t be here if one of us is attacked. I just want to go home and be with my family,” said Anu Enghee, a native of Assam. He works as a security guard in a company in Jigani.


OFFERING SOLACE: Minister Suresh Kumar at the railway station