Amid uneasy calm, security beefed up in over 70 sensitive places during Holi
New Delhi: Amid uneasy calm in north-east Delhi, more than 70 sensitive places have been identified where security will be tightened during Holi. Meanwhile, local people are reaching out to other residents in these areas and appealing them to maintain peace and harmony during the festival. The vulnerable areas include Jafrabad, Brahmpuri, Khajoori, Chand Bagh, Gokulpuri, Shiv Vihar, Sonia Vihar, Babarpur, Yamuna Vihar, Kardampuri. However, Section 144 is already imposed in the area.
According to residents, they had appealed to people to be united and not fall prey to rumours. "We will conduct a peace march in riot-affected areas with the people from both communities. Several people died in the violence, this is the time when we should all stand together to help victims and families," said Abdul Riyaz, a resident of north-east Delhi.
Ishrat Ali from Kardampuri area said from several years, people from the different communities have been living in Kardampuri area peacefully and like a family. "We are all equal and are united. During Holi, we will ensure that there is no tension and peace prevails," he said.
Jafrabad, Maujpur, Chand Bagh, Khureji Khas and Bhajanpura were the areas which were affected during the violence which started few weeks back. According to residents living in Maujpur area, on the day of violence, the rioters brought stones, bricks on carts. They started throwing stones on their colony. Rioters had occupied a foot-over bridge in the area and from there, they were throwing Molotov. Joint Commissioner of Police (Eastern Range) Alok Kumar said that they will conduct patrolling and area domination on vulnerable stretches for Holi. "Motorcycle patrols, PCRs, QRTs are deployed at strategic locations. We along with peace committee members will be present to ensure that no untoward incident took place," he said. According to Delhi Fire Services (DFS) Director Atul Garg, they will talk to the police regarding the situation in the area and deployment of fire tenders if necessary. The death toll in Delhi violence has risen to more than 50 people. Atleast 44 have died at GTB hospital, five at RML hospital, three at LNJP hospital and one Jag Pravesh Chandra Hospital.
Several deceased and injured people have received bullet injuries during the riot. The Delhi Police on Sunday said it has filed over 700 cases. In total, 2,387 people have been either detained or arrested in relation to the violence.
Besides that, keeping in view the "Holi Festival", on March 10, all the City/NCR bus services will remain suspended till 2 pm. Delhi Metro Rail Corporation also issued same advisory that on the day of the 'Holi' festival on Tuesday, Metro services will not be available till 2:30 pm on all lines of Delhi Metro including Airport Express Line and Noida Metro Services.
