Parents and public leaders are concerned over the increasing attacks on migrant workers in Manipur, as they fear that Manipuris working and studying in other States, Delhi and Bengaluru in particular, will be at the receiving end.

This year alone nine migrant workers were killed in bomb attacks. Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh says that the militants who had thus killed the Indian citizens ought to understand that in case of retaliations, many brilliant and promising youths of Manipur who are in different parts of the country will be vulnerable.

Home Minister Gaikhangam Gangmei said that these killings of the weak and helpless people who cannot defend themselves are acts of terrorism.

Mr. Ibobi said that the government supports the campaign to detect and deport foreigners. But he added that the government will come down heavily if genuine Indians are harassed.

However, parents say that this spirited statement will not stand the Manipuri students and workers elsewhere in the country in good stead.

They fear that if the miscreants are not punished and meaningful protection given to the migrant workers, there is bound to be retaliations sooner than later.

Home Minister Gaikhangam Gangmei, who must have studied records of such attacks, says that at least one proscribed underground organisation is behind the attacks on the migrant workers.