news of thousands of Malayalees trying to flee riot-hit Bombay reached the southern Indian state of Kerala, it caused concern not only in the hundreds of homes across the southern state but in government circles as well.
The hardship of the feeling populace was compounded by the inadequacy of conveyance out of Bombay, so much so that quite a large number of them were Stranded at railway stations.
The chief minister, Karunakaran, has since taken up the question of safety of Malayalees with the prime minister and his counterpart in Maharashtra.
He has confirmed the death of a dozen Malayalees in the Bombay Camage, but as yet there are no estimates of the number of Keralites injured and who have lost their property. At least 17 Keralites are reported to be missing since arson and murder gapped the Metropolis.
Several Lakh Keralites live in Bombay. A conspicuous presence is that of thousands from the Malabararea, most of the Muslims, who ply their trade from pavements.
Article extracted from this publication >> January 29, 1993
