In sea of panic,Hyderabad is an island of calm

First some men from AIMIM came to my house and said not to worry. Then ABVP members came and said they would provide protection. Then some people from our society came assuring all help. It scared my wife and daughter, said Nagen Bora of Nanakramguda.

But when his parents and in-laws called from Sonitpur,Boras landlord spoke with them and assured them they need not worry. After that my family and I are not worried that much, Bora said.

Security agencies,malls,restaurants,hotels,and IT and pharma firms,which employ most of the Northeastern people,have also urged them not to leave. Some security agencies have even given day shifts to their guards scared of working nights.

Most of the people from the Northeast live in Siddiquinagar and Anjaiahnagar in Madhapur IT corridor,according to Cyberabad Police Commissioner D Tirumala Rao. We have sensitised the people in these areas and precautionary security has been provided, Rao said. Initially some people left believing in rumours but most decided to stay. Police,employers and local people have assured them there will no attacks.

Most landlords in the areas are Muslim who have given assurances that they will not be harmed. Some landlords have even offered to host tenants in their homes till the panic passes, a state government official said.

Meanwhile,police have set up helplines for people from the Northeast to call in if they receive any threats.