Composite culture of Talab Khatikan an example of communal harmony: BJP MLA
After yesterday’s attempt to flare up communal tension in Jammu city, Muslim youth in Old City, here formed defense committees in their respective areas for their security.
“The youth are patrolling the streets and lanes during the night. About 30 Muslim youth conducted night patrolling. They have been tasked to remain alert to detect any suspicious activity taking place around the Muslim areas,” said a youth pleading anonymity.
About a hundred youth riding motorbikes came to Talab Khitikan area yesterday and shouted provocative slogans.
The situation was prevented from taking an ugly turn by timely intervention of police and Hindu community people.
A group of Muslim youth outside Jama Masjid in Talab Khatikan told Kashmir Post that they have taken yesterday’s incident very serious. “It was a serious threat to our security.”
Asked why they don’t trust the authorities and police force, they said, “Yesterday, the miscreants in large numbers came inside Talab Khatikan and tried to fuel the communal tension. Police has not filed any case against the miscreants”.
“The policemen were there. They know who the miscreants were but none has been arrested. We don’t trust administration or police, who work as per the wishes of saffron groups. We have decided to defend our localities on our own,” they said.
A middle aged man said they have deployed 25 to 30 volunteers in Ustad Mohalla, Talab Khatikan and Gujjar Nagar for night patrolling and vigil. “Other youth are helping them accordingly”.
“The streets are inter-linked with other areas and we have to keep eye on these lanes. Majority of Hindu community have supported us after yesterday’s incident,” he said.
According to Muslims, Holi in Jammu is celebrated by both the community without any misunderstanding or provocation.
A cosmetic shopkeeper at Rajinder Bazaar, who is a Hindu, told Kashmir Post that once there was a communal tension between Muslims and Hindu community.
“I was returning with my father after closing the shop when a group of Muslims was standing on the road. Before we could have moved ahead, Kaka Hussain came forward and told his fellow Muslims don’t touch us (me and my father). Hence, we walked to our house safely and none harassed us,” he said.
He said the Hindus have lived in peace with Muslims.
“We will never allow such elements to increase wedge between the two communities. We celebrate Eid and Diwali festivals together. How can we allow our fellow Muslims to face any problem as they are part of our society,” he repeated.
SHO Peer Mitha, Inspector Javed told Kashmir Post that situation remained peaceful today.
“Policemen were deployed in adequate numbers to find out trouble makers,” he said.
BJP MLA from Jammu East Rajesh Gupta told Kashmir Post that they are responsible people.
“We have to unite the society and not to divide. We should make the youth understand of their responsibility.”
“Why to hurt sentiments of any one? Composite culture of Talab Khatikan is an example of communal harmony. We should have peace and prosperous society,” he said.
