On August 18, when three trains departed from the Bangalore City Railway Station with large number of people from the North east, as the fear of being eliminated or beaten up by antisocial elements caved in, many were not sure of their destiny.
However, when the entire government apparatus turned to their support, the confidence returned and from trickle to hordes, people are coming back.
Unfortunately, their problem does not seem to end yet. Many are now searching for jobs or making up for the classes missed. Today, many from North Eastern part of India are looming under the danger of unemployment.
Pranjal from the Assam Association in Bangalore tells City Express, “We came across two security guards from Assam who realised that they have been replaced by other employees as soon as they reached Bangalore. Now, ‘Peace and Solidarity Forum’, which was formed on August 20 to extend support to people of North East/Darjeeling/ Nepal/Tibet origin, has come forward to give them their jobs back.”
Tejaswini from Peace and Solidarity Forum says, “We are trying to get them back their livelihood. We are also making efforts to find jobs at other places as well.”
On the other hand Dheeraj Khanchan, who owns a chips manufacturing factory in the outskirts of Bannerghatta Road says, “About 4 to 5 workers from my factory went back to their native. But we would like to have them back in our factory as they know the skill and have the kind of experience which we want here. However, we cannot employ them right away since we have already recruited new people. Probably, after one or two months, we can have them back on board.”
Pranjal pointed out that the issue of jobs is not limited to few people. He says, “There are many people working in hotels and apartments who have complained that their jobs have been taken by others. The problem is that most of them fear to approach the authorities and hence these problems get covered up. I would at least urge them to make use of the help lines set up by Peace and Solidarity Forum.”
Raju Mazumdar, who has been living in Bangalore for last six years now, went through a similar job crisis. He was working in a hotel in Kumaraswamy Layout and the rumours triggered fear among his family members back in Assam, forcing Raju to return. As he returned to Bangalore, he was informed that his job was no more.
He says, “There is place for hardworking people everywhere. I have managed to get a job in another hotel. However, when I knew that someone else had been appointed for my job I was terrified, as I have many obligations and I cannot afford to sit idle even for a month.”
The Social Welfare Minister of Assam, Akon Bora told City Express, “Now, since things have returned to normal, people should concentrate on their work and everything will fall into place. The authorities are taking necessary steps; hence, there is nothing to worry. However, I would like to urge the people from my state to inform the authorities immediately, in case of any trouble and not fear the authorities itself.”