The Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR) on Sunday urged the Delhi Police to take immediate action against hate speech and threats targeting Muslims in West Delhi’s Uttam Nagar ahead of the upcoming Eid al-Fitr, warning that the situation could escalate into communal violence if authorities fail to intervene.
In a representation submitted on March 15 to the Commissioner of Police, APCR highlighted the circulation of inflammatory speeches, provocative posters, and mobilisation in and around the JJ Colony area that allegedly call for violence against members of the Muslim community.
According to the civil rights organisation, the tension follows an altercation between two families that took place on March 4 in JJ Colony. While police have already registered a case and arrested some of the accused, APCR said the incident — initially a personal dispute — is now being deliberately communalised by certain groups to incite hostility against Muslims.
The organisation stated that several speeches circulating on social media and delivered at local gatherings contain explicit threats claiming Muslims will not be allowed to celebrate Eid in Uttam Nagar. Some messages reportedly call for Holi to be forcibly played with Muslims on the day of Eid and for violence to occur before Eid prayers are offered.
APCR also flagged posters announcing that “Holi will be celebrated in Uttam Nagar on 20 March,” a date that coincides with Eid this year, warning that such messaging has created an atmosphere of fear among Muslim residents.
The Eidgah in JJ Colony is used annually by thousands of worshippers from surrounding neighbourhoods to offer Eid prayers. Residents are now anxious about their safety and their ability to gather peacefully for prayers and celebrations, the organisation said.
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