"Karnataka and Bangalore city are very safe. The exodus happened due to circulation of rumours, SMS and YouTube videos," Ashoka, on a three-day tour to the Northeast, told reporters here.
"There has been no major incident of violence in Karnataka. There has only been a few minor incidents of verbal threat," he said, adding he met many students and professionals, who fled Bangalore, and assured them protection.
Asked about the reaction of those whom he met, Ashoka said "I am sure they will return. We are one nation and all of us are Indians."
He said 25 platoons of Karnataka State Reserve Police, 17,000 policemen, three companies each of CRPF and Rapid Action Force have been deployed.
Ashoka said the hospitality and security services sectors were badly hit in Bangalore because of the exodus.
"We have also postponed some exams and students who have missed their classes would be considered for attendance," he said. MORE
