Meghalaya Chief Minister Mukul Sangma on Friday dashed off letters to his counterparts in southern states asking them to issue stern warning against those elements who are seeking to create disturbance against northeastern people.

In a letter to his counterparts in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Maharashtra, Pudducherry and Tamil Nadu, Sangma also appealed to them to issue clear directives to the field formations to keep a close watch so that the students from the North East region are not harassed or victimised in any manner, way or form.

The Meghalaya chief minister also informed the chief ministers of southern states that his government has taken steps to allay the fears of parents who have also been advised not to give credence to such unfounded rumours.

“The anxiety and apprehension among those living outside the North East region as well as their parents here is unfounded, as it has been found through verification with the concerned state authorities that the reports regarding the attacks are unfounded and are just rumours spread by mischievous elements to create panic and disorder,” Sangma stated.

Sangma, who also shot missives to his counterparts in Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland, Tripura and Sikkim Friday, informed them he has written letters to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde urging them to facilitate a delegation of ministers from Meghalaya to visit the affected states so that a common approach to deal with these nefarious designs to disturb the communal harmony and understanding can be evolved and adopted by all across the country.

The delegation of ministers would meet the students and others from the region, government authorities, and community and youth groups in those states.

In this regard, Sangma also appealed to the chief ministers of the North East States to consider the feasibility of deputing a similar delegation from their respective states so that a joint visit can be organised which, according to him will have a far greater impact.