Rumors about impending attacks on people from the Indian northeast in the wake of the recent Assam violence have made it increasingly difficult even for Nepalis to study and work in Bengaluru. Dozens of students and workers, who hail from different parts of the farwestern Nepal are returning home through Gadda Chouki border point in Kanchanpur district. On Monday alone, more than 100 people entered Nepal through the border point. 

 

According to Netra Prasad Bhatta, sub inspector at Gadda Chouki Area Police Office, the exodus of Nepali people from Bengaluru is still growing despite continuous attempts by Indian officials to scotch rumors about possible attacks on people from the Indian north east. 

 

"We felt no longer safe to work in Bengaluru," said Amar Kunwar, a resident of Dasarathchand Municipality-14. "We´ll return to Bengaluru only after the situation returns to normal." 

 

Kunwar, who arrived home on Sunday in a group of 13 Nepali people by taking a train to Delhi and then a bus to Mahendranagar, says, "More Nepalis living in Bangalore are packing up to return home."

 

Although rumors are that people from northeastern states have been singled out for attack, Nepalis also are at risk due similarity in facial features with people from Indian states like Assam, Manipur and Mizoram, etc. 

 

"Some Nepali people have been thrashed in Bangalore just because they look like the people from India´s north eastern states," Kunwar said.

 

 Published on: 21 August 2012 | Republica