The Hindu : New Delhi News : Appeal for more forces to protect non-Marathis

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Sunday, Feb 17, 2008
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Appeal for more forces to protect non-Marathis

Staff Reporter

Lalu Prasad requested to have a “mass evacuation” plan ready

NEW DELHI: Several North Indian groups coming under the aegis of “Federation of Responsible Societies” appealed to Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil here on Saturday to send more Central forces to Maharashtra so that non-Marathis could work there without fear and with dignity.

Addressing a press conference, they also appealed to Union Railway Minister Lalu Prasad to have a “mass evacuation” plan ready in case North Indian people begin leaving Mumbai and other Maharashtra cities in hordes.

Contingency plans

They said the Chief Ministers of all States concerned should have contingency plans ready for housing and rehabilitation in case the non-Marathas are compelled to leave for their native places. They also appealed to President Pratibha Patil to get a report from the Maharashtra Governor whether there was an “emergency-like situation” in Maharashtra. The Federation, comprising groups like “Samast Bharat Desham”, Gujjar Dehat Morcha, Sarv Dharam Sewa Sansthan and some trade unions, told mediapersons that migration and migrants were here to stay and that it should be a pleasure and not a painful experience particularly in this age of globalisation. It said the eccentric outbursts of so-called well-wishers of Marathas had done immense damage to Marathis, India and humanity.

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