Terror Strikes Mumbai

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With violence against north Indians in Nashik and adjoining areas continuing for the second day, the number of migrants fleeing for their homes - mostly in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar - crossed 10,000. It is perhaps one of the largest exodus in the country, from a single, district in recent years.

The violence started 10 days back when MNS activists attacked migrant workers as the Samajwadi Party held a rally in Mumbai.

Since then, MNS chief Raj Thackeray has carried on a vitriol-laced campaign against north Indians, stoking chauvinistic feelings and appealing to Marathi pride.

With no immediate security in sight against MNS attacks, north Indians from UP and Bihar continued their trudge to railway stations in thousands from Satpur and Ambad industrial belts. Nearly all of them were unskilled workers at industrial units or construction companies.

Even police patrols, particularly on Satpur-Ambad link road could not prevent their virtual evacuation. Trains were packed with passengers at Nasik Road and Devlali stations.

Government Railway Police presence was stepped up at stations where a large number of north Indians waited for trains leaving for Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.