The Prime Minister today asserted that the people of North Eastern Region have as much right to study and live anywhere in the country. Intervening in the discussion in the Lok Sabha on rumours of attacks on North Eastern people in some parts of the country, Dr Manmohan Singh assured the North Eastern people that the entire country is united and the government will do everything possible to ensure their
safety and security.

Dr Singh also warned that the unity and integrity of the country is being threatened by anti-social elements. He said the government is committed to fulfill its obligation in providing safety and security to the people. He urged the members to rise above party lines and send a clear message to remove the feeling of insecurity among the people of the North Eastern Region.
Dr. Singh who also spoke in the Rajya Sabha, said, that rumour mongers should be brought to book.

He said, the North east is a very sensitive region and the incidents in Kokrajhar and other areas should not be allowed to be used as an opportunity to fan communal violence.

Both the Houses of Parliament today suspended question hour to take up discussion on the issue . Cutting across party-lines members urged the government to enquire into the root cause of the problem which they described as a conspiracy to destabilize the
country.

In the Lok Sabha, the Leader of Opposition Mrs Sushma Swaraj said, the North Eastern Region is of vital security significance and if the
situation is not brought under control, the credibility of the government will be compromised.

Mr Ninong Ering of the Congress from Arunachal Prasad, said the incidents have created fear psychosis among the North East students and anti-social elements are exploiting the situation. Sharad Yadav of the JDU wanted those responsible for the situation be put behind bars.

Mr. Gurudas Das Gupta of the CPI, said, immediate steps should be taken to enforce law and restore normalcy.
In the Rajya Sabha, the Leader of the opposition in the House, Mr. Arun Jaitley said, it is the onerous responsibility on each of us to stop rumour mongering and immediately halt the exodus of north east people.
Senior BJP leader Venkaiah Naidu, said the texting of the SMS has created fear among the North East people.

Echoing similar views Senior Congress leader Dr Karan Singh said every state government has the responsibility to ensure law and order situation. Senior Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) Birendra Prasad Baishya said it is the time to work together to maintain peace and harmony. He suggested that a resolution be adopted by the House assuring the North East people that the whole country is with them.