By Violet Pereira, Team Mangalorean

Mangalore: St Aloysius college organized a talk on the wild rumours that has gripped the State about people from the North -East would be attacked after Id-ul-Fitr Aug 20, at the A V Room of St Aloysius College, here on August 17.

Principal of St Aloysius College Fr Swebert D'Silva SJ, welcomed the gathering.  In his inaugural speech he assured full safety and security in the college campus. He also said that if any of the North-East students get any threat calls or SMS from any unknown people, to inform the authorities immediately so that proper action will be initiated against them.

Some of the North-East students as well a lecturer shared their experience on the occasion. A lecturer said, "I have been residing in Ullal area from past 8 years. I have not experienced any violence or untoward incident like in the North. Ullal being a Muslim area, my immediate neighbours are Muslims, when there is Eid or Bakrid they share their joy with us and send us food, being a catholic for Christmas we share our joy by sending them sweets and cake. We are in good terms and they come to help us whenever there is need".  She further said that the local people are very loving and trustworthy and we are safe here. She urged the North-East people to come out of the fear and negative thoughts.

One of the North-East students said , " I feel very scared and think of leaving the city to join my parents back home. But then again I feel, Mangalore is such a wonderful place, I am safe here. I hope Mangaloreans will provide us all the safety and security".

Saudakathulla, representing the Muslim community also spoke on the occasion and said that, there is no need to panic about the rumours. The safety and security of our North-East brothers and sister's is in our hands, so concentrate on your studies and tell your parents not to worry.

DCP crime Dharmayya addressing the North-East students said that three days ago wild rumours spread that the people of north-east would be attacked after Id-ul-Fitr Aug 20 to avenge the Assam ethnic violence that left 74 people dead, these are only rumors and there is no need to panic. We are here to protect you and assure to give you full protection. He also said the students to note down the numbers if they get any threat calls or SMS, and report to the police by dialing Control Room 100, or 2220800 or my direct number  9480802305, or 9480802304.

He urged the students to inform the police or college authorities if any of them get any information in this regard. He said to move freely in the city, eat well and sleep well without any fear.  He also urged  the students to call their parents back home and inform them about the safety assured by the police and the college.

The lecturers, president of the college  and Fr Francis Almeida SJ also assured full safety to these students on the occasion.