Taking cognizance of the hordes of calls which volunteers and those heading the various groups of north east associations in the city are getting from their fellow north east people seeking information and also help, after being threatened by criminal elements, a group of individuals along with representatives of a few civil society organisations have set up a north east helpline number. Those requiring any help can call 9482396178 / 9845967545. This 24/7 helpline is functional from Thursday onwards. People from the north east region can get help related to problems with their residential areas, colleges or workplaces, and contacts of the nearest police station at this helpline, said Manohar Elavarthi, co-ordinator, Peace and Solidarity Forum.
Meanwhile, a group of individuals in association with Justdial has also come up with a north east helpline number 080-28888888, functional since Sunday. In case north eastern people requiring help cannot get through to the police helpline, the emergency number set up for the purpose or the nodal officer's number, they can dial this number and Justdial will provide a list of numbers of the north east support centre and helpline in Bengaluru whom they can contact.
Speaking about how the number works, Aruna, one among the group members who has taken up the initiative said, “We have provided about 5-6 numbers to Justdial, and the number belongs to a group of people from different parts of the city who have a list of contact numbers of different police stations whom they can contact. Once anyone dials the Justdial helpline number the receiver will take the information, pass the caller’s number to the concerned co-ordinator in the specific area, and vice-versa.” The initiative was taken up as a supportive measure to the ongoing efforts of police and government, she added.