HOWSOEVER intangible the source or origin of rumours, their effect on normal, everyday life can be devastatingly real. ...India`s tenuous social fabric is once again under severe strain. ... That rumours could set off such panic speaks to the sense of insecurity that the young migrants lived under. . .

...[T]he authorities concerneddonotappeartohaveexpended much energy in trying to trace the source of this sinister rumour-mongering. Many of the SMSs circulating contain fabricated information about attacks by Muslims on people from the northeast, including killings, suggesting there are unknown individuals and groups out there actively trying to create panic and drive a wedge between these two minority groups.

Over the long-term, `mainland` India needs to be more welcoming towards its fellow-citizens from the northeast. There should be zerotolerance of prejudice agalnst ethnic or other minorities.-(Aug 18) •