The Indian government has reiterated that there is no threat to people from the North-East living in Bangalore, and there is no need for them to considering returning home after threats of violence were yesterday issued against those from North-East India.

On the day India celebrated its 65th year of independence, it was reported at least 4,000 people from the North East, including students, reportedly tried to leave on specially organised trains from Bangalore fearing repercussions for the recent violence that has plagued Assam.

Tensions have risen in recent months because of the continued but last night police confirmed that the threat levels against those from the North-East had risen because of an SMS message circulated that was targeting those from the North-East. The central and state government say attempts are being made to identify the senders of these messages but have warned that doctored photos on social media are also being circulated, resulting in the tension. In Mysore on Tuesday, a Tibetan youth was attacked by two unidentified assailants.

"People from the North-East should stay where they are" was the advice of Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi this morning. The Karnataka government was also quick to deny that special trains had been organised for the North-East community, stressing that two special trains that left Bangalore for Guwahati last night accommodated people "travelling for the long weekend and Eid."

In New Delhi, senior BJP leader Sushma Swaraj said, "Panic due to rumours in Karnataka is a very serious issue. The Karnataka government will do everything to protect the people from the North-East. It is a case of concerted effort to create divide among people."