Delhi Riots Aftermath Citizen Panels Begin Toil For Lasting Peace

Scores of committees work overtime with cops, officials in violence-hit areas to remove distrust among communities

- Gulam Jeelani

NORTHEAST Delhi remained peaceful on Sunday even as cops battled rumours of violence in some other parts of the city.

There was movement of more people and vehicles on main roads, though amid a heavy police deployment. No untoward incident has been reported over the past three days.

But an eerie silence haunted interiors that once used to be teeming with residents and hawkers. In Shiv Vihar, among the worst-hit areas, lanes were deserted and almost all houses locked. In Mustafabad, people were wary of stepping out.

“We celebrated Eid, Holi and Diwali together. I have never faced such a situation in my life. We can see grief, mistrust and disbelief all around us,” said a garment store owner in Shiv Vihar.

While violence has stopped, there is a lot still to be done. And this is where citizen committees have seen their role to bring lasting peace in the riot-affected area.

Members of these peace panels are working overtime, also with cops and administrative officials. Mohammad Wasil, a local from Jaffrabad and one of the active members of an aman (peace) committee, said the challenge was to bring the displaced people back as the riots have led to a huge trust deficit among people who coexisted for generations.