Hindu-Muslims took out a tricolor yatra together to appeal for peace in Jahangirpuri

Sending a message of peace and harmony, Hindus and Muslims took out a ‘Tiranga Yatra’ in C-Block on Sunday after the communal violence that broke out in Jahangirpuri area of ​​the national capital on April 16. The yatra was taken out with the help of Delhi Police deployed for security in the area. About 50 people from both the communities were allowed to participate in the yatra. Those involved in the yatra raised slogans like ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’, ‘Hindu Muslim Sikh Christian aaps mein hai bhai-bhai’ and ‘Vande Mataram’ while waving the tricolor. Many residents of C-Block stood by the roadside, while others watched the rally from their windows and balconies.

Usha Rangnani, Deputy Commissioner of Police, North-West Delhi, said, “This rally gave a message of harmony and peace. Members of both the communities showed that the tricolor is the top priority. He has given the message that the country comes first. The Tiranga Yatra started from Kushal Chowk and ended at Kushal Chowk after going round the entire C-Block. Aslam, a local resident, said, “We are very happy that such an initiative has been taken. It really shows the real image of Jahangirpuri. Hope this will help in restoring peace. Indramani Tiwari, president of the Residents’ Welfare Association, representing the Hindu community, hoped that the rally would help restore ties between the two communities and bring back the confidence of the local people.

Tiwari said, “Flower petals were showered from the same place where stones were pelted on the day of the clash. After the violence of April 16, there is an atmosphere of fear among the people. We requested the police to allow us to undertake the tricolor yatra so that the message of unity can be sent among the people and the atmosphere of terror can be ended.

Businessman Rakesh Mehra told The Hindu that the visit was the first step towards peace. He blamed outsiders for the violence. “Those who created such a situation here were all outsiders. A friend of mine was also injured in the clashes, but I want to forget what happened that day and spread the message of peace.

Ishrar Khan, who sells mobile phones and accessories, told The Indian Express, “A part of my shop was vandalized during the vandalism operation. I felt sad because many people were calling us Bangladeshi and my neighbors called me stone pelters. Today is a different day, I stepped out and everyone hugged me. He further said, ‘We may not talk everyday, but we took out a rally together. I think we are all brothers and we should do some improvement. I went home for Rosa after the trip. I hope the situation will improve and we will celebrate Eid.

Security personnel deployed during the tricolor yatra in Jahangirpuri. (Photo: PTI) Residents said that the situation has not returned to normal yet, but we are hoping that the next few days will bring peace.

60-year-old chicken seller Kader Khan told The Indian Express, “At present we (Hindus) are not in talks with them, but that does not mean that we hate each other. We are ready to move on. Things will get better soon. My children and grandchildren came out of the house after a long time. We are feeling better than ever. There is peace in the area.

There was heavy deployment of police officers as well as personnel of Central Reserve Police Force and Rapid Action Force to maintain law and order during the rally. They had tear gas guns and drones were used for surveillance.

DCP Rangnani said that the security deployment is expected to reduce in the coming days. Some deployments have already been removed. He said that as the situation improves further, it will be further reduced. Meanwhile, shops in the inner lanes of Block-C have opened for business, while those on the main street are closed. Vegetable carts and hawkers have also started appearing.

The DCP said that the situation is returning to normal. During the procession taken out on the occasion of Hanuman Jayanti in Jahangirpuri on April 16, there was a clash between two communities, in which eight policemen and a local resident were injured.

After the incident of violence, an anti-encroachment campaign was launched by the BJP-ruled North Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) on April 20, which sparked controversy.

It is alleged that under the campaign, the alleged illegal constructions of the accused were being demolished, on which the action was not stopped even after the Supreme Court stayed. A few hours later, when the petitioner’s counsel returned to the apex court, the sabotage proceedings had stopped.

After this, while hearing the matter on April 21, the Supreme Court had put a two-week ban on the sabotage campaign of NDMC. Along with this, the Supreme Court had said that it will take cognizance of the demolition action on April 20, which continued even after the corporation was apprised of its order.