By
Jignasa Sinha
Uttam Nagar in Delhi remains tense ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr, days after the death of a 26-year old man in clashes between community, amid what locals described were threats by leaders and religious groups to play ‘Khoon ki Holi’. The tensions stem from the death of a man in a fight between two families from different communities on the festival of Holi earlier this month.
With Eid now approaching and threats sounded, several Muslim families said they were planning to leave the locality until the situation normalises, HT reported earlier.
The Delhi high court on Wednesday agreed to hear later in the day a petition seeking directions to the Delhi Police to enhance patrolling and security in Uttam Nagar area following apprehensions of potential violence raised by members of the Muslim community in view of upcoming Eid.
The initial clashes broke out on March 4 when an 11-year-old girl threw a water balloon that hit a Muslim woman, triggering an altercation. Tarun Kumar, 26, succumbed to injuries he received in the clashes four days later. Police have so far arrested 14 people and apprehended two minors in connection with the case.
‘Khoon ki holi’ threat
Speaking to HT on Tuesday, Jameel Ahmad, 55, owner of Miya Ji restaurant, said his family has lived in Uttam Nagar for more than 50 years and is now scared that they will pay the price for what mistake of others. He described the issue as a long-running dispute between two families, adding that some leaders have warned they will play ‘khoon ki Holi’, indicating bloodbath.
“I have three children and seven grandchildren. We are all scared because we have seen leaders say they will play ‘khoon Ki Holi’. We have nowhere to go,” the earlier HT report quoted Ahmad as saying.
This story was originally published in hindustantimes.com. Read the full story here.