Delhi: Trilokpuri residents take charge of local security

Local residents have closed the entrance and exit gates of each street. They have also deployed men from among themselves to guard the gates and alert the area residents in case of any violence.

Residents of violence-hit Trilokpuri have taken it upon themselves to protect their own blocks along with the help of police.

The east Delhi area is divided into various blocks — with up to 100 houses in each block. These are further divided into streets and local residents have closed the entrance and exit gates of each street. They have also deployed men from among themselves to guard the gates and alert the area residents in case of any violence.

“We have deployed two men on both the gates. The men are on duty for a shift of two-three hours on rotation basis,” said Anuj Kumar, resident of block 19. Area residents feel that manning the gates restricts the entry of any unknown person from other areas who may be a “threat”.

“Because people from within the area are guarding the gates, thus the probability of an outsider entering the area goes down considerably,” said Sanjay Kumar. Taking more precautionary steps, he added, “We have asked all the children, women and youth in the neighbourhood to remain inside their homes.”

The police too appreciate the neighbourhood vigilance which is helping them maintain peace. “With the residents coming forward to help us, maintaining peace would be a lot easier,” said a senior police officer.