In Delhi's Uttam Nagar, Muslims who had been threatened with 'khoon ki holi' following recent communal tensions, expressed their gratitude by showering flower petals on the police on Saturday, as they were able to perform prayers for Eid ul-Fitr.
Uttam Nagar has been on edge following the death of a 26-year-old man in altercations that erupted over a water balloon dispute during Holi earlier this month.
A video circulating on social media, which The Bridge Chronicle has independently verified, depicts two men with a bag of flower petals, showering them on police and Rapid Action Force (RAF) officers. In the background, a voice can be heard saying, 'The cops gave full support.'
In the video, the man remarks, "They did an excellent job."
Concerns about a 'bloodbath'
The first conflicts erupted on March 4 after an 11-year-old girl tossed a water balloon that struck a Muslim woman, leading to a confrontation. Tarun Kumar, aged 26, died from injuries sustained during the clashes four days afterward. Police have arrested 14 individuals and detained two minors related to the incident.
The situation in Uttam Nagar remained tense as Muslims claimed that religious leaders had threatened a 'bloody Holi' during Eid, indicating a potential bloodshed.
Security measures were intensified around the Uttam Nagar East Metro station following the Delhi High Court's order for the police to ensure sufficient arrangements in the area due to concerns about potential violence during Eid al-Fitr.
The high court also sent a notice to the Delhi Police, requesting their response. It instructed that security measures remain in place until the Ram Navami festival.
The case is set for an additional hearing on April 6.
A significant presence of Delhi Police and paramilitary forces was established throughout Hastsal village and surrounding regions, with barricades positioned at crucial entry and exit locations and rigorous identity verifications being conducted.
According to PTI news agency, access to certain areas was restricted to residents only after verification, while outsiders faced movement limitations. Police teams carried out regular foot patrols and monitored rooftops, narrow alleys, and other sensitive areas using CCTV cameras to avert any potential incidents.
Kushal Pal Singh, the Deputy Commissioner of Police for Dwarka, stated that the situation is stable. 'The atmosphere is tranquil here. People performed namaz without any issues. We have ensured strict security in the area and are carrying out regular patrols and picketing,' he told PTI, advising the public not to trust social media rumors.
Eid 'feels different'
Residents of Hastsal village noted that this year's Eid lacked the usual festive atmosphere. "It's very unfortunate what happened. Every year, my parents sell sevvaiyyan worth ₹10,000 daily leading up to Eid. This year, our sales have dropped to around ₹3,500 a day. People from nearby areas are avoiding this market due to fear," said 18-year-old Vaishali Kumar, while standing outside her home selling sevvaiyyan, the fine vermicelli associated with Eid-ul-Fitr.
For Rabia Khanam, who is seven years old, Eid has consistently been associated with the scent of sevvaiyyan filling the streets, lively markets featuring henna artists, and the hectic activity of shoppers eagerly searching for new attire.
She remarked, sitting in her home located in a region where unease has persisted since the March 4 incident that resulted in Kumar's death, 'There used to be so much excitement... But this year, it just doesn't feel the same.'