Terror threat at Hauz Khas Village: ‘They want us scared and locked inside our homes’

Restaurateurs at Hauz Khas Village, the posh party zone of South Delhi, are feeling the pinch of tighter security. The revellers are less relaxed, too, but they try to maintain a brave face.

Recent reports that Hauz Khas Village might be a target of terrorist attack and that there might be a ban on ladies’ nights — this second report was later denied by Delhi Police — has caused a situation of uncertainty and loss of business for restaurateurs, and a less relaxed atmosphere for revellers. Hauz Khas Village aka HKV, the go-to place for party crowds and foreigners in the city, is facing a lockdown. The increased presence of security personnel because of the threat perception has led to a decline in the number of people visiting Hauz Khas Village.

Restaurateurs in Hauz Khas Village say that their establishments are seeing a drop in business over the threat perception. (HT Photo)

We got in touch with HKV-based restaurateurs, and with women who are, or used to be, party regulars there, for their take on the situation.

‘We should carry on, but with caution,’ say restaurateurs

“Such situations have led to a decrease in customers. But I don’t think there’s anything to panic about. There’s a terror threat every day now — that’s the sad reality of our lives. Look at Europe, there’s a terror attack every day there. The only thing we can do is carry on with our lives and stay vigilant. These war-mongers want us scared and locked inside our own home, and we shouldn’t let them.”
Joy Singh, owner of Raasta restaurant in Hauz Khas Village

“The number of people coming to Hauz Khas Village for dining in has decreased. However, people ordering food has increased. It’s true that people don’t feel safe coming to Hauz Khas Village, but that’s the case everywhere. I believe it’s imperative to do things that we like. We should not stop living our life the way we want to.”
Rachit Goil, owner of Cravity restaurant in Hauz Khas Village

‘It is not the same anymore,’ say students

“Earlier, when we went out partying or chilling with friends, we felt carefree. But that’s not the case anymore, especially in Hauz Khas Village. We still go there, but we’re extremely cautious, as we don’t feel safe anymore. I never go alone. I always go with my group. Such situations create fear.”
Soumya Joshi, student, 19

“I’ve been going to Hauz Khas for years now. Delhi has always been on the radar for terrorists. I don’t see the need to panic. While going out, one needs to be on one’s guard these days. Security has been increased and that’s okay. But no one should create panic.”
Samiha Singh, student, 19

“Everybody knows that Hauz Khas Village is not a safe place, especially for a woman. Now, it’s facing a terror threat and that makes it worse. I used to go there earlier, but now I rarely go. We need to understand that the police are just doing their job. We should just let them and not create panic.”
Shubhi Singh, working professional, 22