‘Rumours + Fear psychosis = Exodus’

Former MLA and senior Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) leader Alka Sarma blamed the general fear psychosis and rumour mongering for the exodus of the northeastern citizens in general and Assamese in particular from Pune and other parts of the country.

Sarma, who was due in Pune late on Friday, sounded the warning bell and said, “In case this conflict is not resolved peacefully, there are dangers that this would turn into a major communal flare across the country.” On Monday, Pune witnessed  around 2,000 Northeasterners leaving the city in a hurry. Their flight was fueled by rumours and threat to their security.

Sarma, while talking to DNA over the phone on Tuesday, said that the situation in Assam was fast snowballing and taking a communal over-tune.

Speaking about the exodus, she admitted that she was not very optimistic of the exodus stopping soon. “Most of them who are fleeing are scared for their life and they think that they would be attacked in case they stay back,” she said.

She added that the senior ministers from the cabinet of Assam have already travelled to Hyderabad and Bangalore to reassure the people and the help them. “We are in touch with the various NGOs in Pune and other parts of the country and trying to coordinate help for the people who are fleeing,” she said.