Ignore rumors of attacks through E-mail, SMS: admn to Tibetans

Tibetans returning to settlement camps in Karnataka on a request from community representatives on government assurances of safety have been asked by the district administration to ignore rumours of attacks on them being spread through e-mails and SMS.

For the past couple of days an uneasy calm has prevailed in these camps, especially in Byalakuppe in Mysore district and Mundgod in Uttar Kannada district.
Tibetans are staying away from visiting Hubli (near Mundgod) and Mysore (near Byalakuppe) to earn their livelihood fearing attacks. Many have asked their kith and kin to return to the settlement camps.

Patrolling has been stepped up near areas having a Tibetan concentration and tight vigil is kept on tourists entering their places.

Uttar Kannada SP K T Balakrishna said security has been beefed up at Mundgod and patrolling intensified in the Mundgod-Kalghatagi-Yellapur road.
Police also have set up check posts and helplines on this route, he said. He also advised Tibetans to travel in groups for their safety.

Jampa Phuntsog, head of Tibetan community in Mysore, spoke to police of the community's concerns about security and requested adequate protection.

Phuntsog said Tibetan representatives have spoken to Muslim community leaders in nearby Bylakuppe, Kushalnagar and Periyapatna to prevent any misunderstandings.