Security stepped up in outer Delhi after communal tension

Two complaints have been filed in Holambi Kalan and south west Delhi’s Najafgarh within a span of 10 days, where residents are under constant threat, of attack by some anti-social elements after police leave. Currently, RPF is posted in the area.

Security has been beefed up in parts of outer Delhi after reports of communal tension from the areas.

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Two complaints were filed in Outer Delhi’s Holambi Kalan and southwest Delhi’s Najafgarh within a span of 10 days. Residents complained to the Delhi Police, the National Minority Commission and informed the Delhi Minority Commission about the incident. Though security forces have been deployed at these places as a preventive measure, residents fear they may be attacked after the police leave.

At Holambi Kalan, Bilal Welfare Society residents had complained to the police that certain religious outfits did not let them hold Independence Day functions. Religious groups allegedly threatened around 50 families living in Metro Vihar of dire consequences once the police leave.

“We are living in constant fear everyday as the moment police security is removed they will certainly do something. The anti-social elements have threatened to kill us and if nothing is done now it may lead to a riot-like situation,” said Nisar, a resident of the area.

At Najafgarh, according to a complaint filed by residents, tension erupted over the construction of a mosque’s boundary wall when members of another community tried to stop the work. “Both communities called the police and we were asked the stop the repair work immediately. Currently, RPF is posted in the area, and naturally as a minority we feel threatened as there were minor clashes in the area too,” said Mohammed Salim, a resident of the area.

A senior Delhi Police official said the issue was resolved amicably and that they were keeping a watch. “People should not be afraid at all. In case such incidents are happening, they should immediately inform the police,” he said.

Cases of riots have been on the rise after 2012 according to Delhi Police data. This year, 71 cases of riots have been reported till July 31. In 2014, 160 cases were reported, while 113 cases were reported in 2013. However, they may not all be related to communal tension as riot charges are registered in case of violent protests as well.

Last year, just after Diwali, riots broke out in Trilokpuri and Bawana in east Delhi over trivial issues.