Around 200 people of riot-hit Jahangirpuri took part in a ‘Tiranga Yatra’ in the region on Sunday to preach a message of peace and communal unity, with stores and homes in the area flying the tricolor to commemorate the event.
At around 6 p.m., the Tiranga Yatra began, with Hindu and Muslim inhabitants hoisting the tricolor and shouting chants such as “Hindu Muslim Sikh Isai Aapas Me Hai Bhai Bhai” and “Bharat Mata Ki Jai.”
The Tiranga Yatra, which included both elderly and children, began at the C-Block roundabout across from Kushal Cinema and proceeded to the B Block market. After around 30 minutes, the mob made its way to the Hindu-majority G Block, which marked the end of the yatra.
Meanwhile, RWA members from the community also joined the march.
Further, a tricolor was also displayed outside the majority of the shops and houses in the region.
Amjad Ali, a C-Block homeowner, said he had sent his children to the Tiranga Yatra and had raised a flag on top of his house and chicken shop to indicate his support for peace in the neighborhood.
“Three days ago, I learned that such a yatra was being held in the region, so I sent my children to participate… After days of chaos, even they (children) have stepped out, and the region now has a sense of normalcy,” Ali added.
A Muslim citizen who marched alongside the group stated that there will be no animosity and that the two communities will coexist as they have for many years. “We’re like brothers here,” he continued, “and we’ll stay here as a family as we have for the past 40 years.”
The Tiranga Yatra, according to businessman Rakesh Mehra, was “the first step toward peace,” and those who carried out the violence were “outsiders.” “Those who provoked the unrest here were all outsiders…one of my friends was also injured in the confrontations, but I want to forget about what happened that day and promote the message of peace,” she said.
Usha Rangnani, DCP (Northwest), stated that adequate security precautions had been made in the area to prevent any breaches of protocol.
During the Tiranga Yatra, police lifted barricades from the C-Block roundabout to ensure that the mob walked freely. CRPF jawans were also stationed in the vicinity, in addition to Delhi Police forces.
The Tiranga Yatra took place after riots erupt in Jahangiripuri
The yatra takes place just days after communal riots erupted in Jahangirpuri, Northwest Delhi, following a ‘Shobha Yatra’ to commemorate Hanuman Jayanti was held in the vicinity.
Stone pelting and vandalism became commonplace as the violence increased. In connection with the incident, police have arrested 25 people so far, including two minors.
The North Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) conducted an “anti-encroachment” sweep in the region last week, which resulted in the uprooting of several stores, largely belonging to Muslim inhabitants of C-Block. The Supreme Court later upheld the drive’s status quo.
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