In a shocking incident, an engineering student Michael lamjathang Haokip from the north-eastern State of Manipur was attacked in Bangalore on late Tuesday night by three people who allegedly demanded that Michael should speak in the local Kannada language.

Michael lamjathang Haokip, who heads a Manipur students’ body, alleges that he and his friends were standing at a roadside food stall when three men threatened and later attacked them.

Michal told the media that the attackers were drunk and demanding him to speak in Kannada. He said, “They said you are eating Karnataka food, living in Karnataka...you should speak Kannada or else get lost. They picked up stones and attacked us and I got injured.”

“Just because I am living in Karnataka doesn’t mean I have to speak in Kannada,” he added.

According to Bangalore city joint Police Commissioner Alok Kumar three men have been arrested and an assault case has been registered against them. He said “Any such incident, even a small one, will be dealt with very seriously. North-eastern people are safe in Bangalore.”

The incident took place on Tuesday midnight in the city’s Kothanur area, home to a large number of students from other parts of the country.

Michael has alleged in his police complaint that people watched the commotion without trying to help. He was allegedly heckled by some people till he reached a police station about a kilometer away.

In 2012, based on a rumour attack on north-eastern people, thousands have fled Bangalore. It took the then BJP Government some time to instill confidence among more than the three lakh strong north-eastern community in the IT city.

Meanwhile boxing champion Mary Kom, who is in the city for a marathon event, reacted with concern at the attack on a student from her State. She said “I don’t feel good listening to such news. There should be unity and peace in our country, so that such incidents don’t repeat.”

Two other members of the students’ association, Ngamkholen Haokip, 28, and Rocky Kipgen, 25, who were with Michael when he was attacked escaped with minor injuries.