Muslim residents in Delhi’s Uttam Nagar plan to leave for Eid-ul-Fitr amid ‘threats’

Several Muslim families in Hastsal village of Delhi’s Uttam Nagar said they are considering leaving the area temporarily ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr, citing fear amid ongoing communal tensions.

Residents told HT that threats and inflammatory messages following the death of a 26-year-old man—after a clash between two families from different communities during Holi—have created an atmosphere of anxiety. However, Delhi Police said it has not received any confirmation from locals about plans to leave and is holding regular meetings to maintain peace.

Jameel Ahmad, 55, who runs a local restaurant and has lived in the area for over five decades, said his family is deeply обеспокоित by threats circulating online and statements allegedly made during gatherings. “We are living in fear. Some families nearby have already left,” he said.

The tensions date back to March 4, when a dispute began after an 11-year-old girl’s water balloon hit a Muslim woman, triggering a confrontation. The situation escalated, and Tarun Kumar, 26, later died of injuries. Police have arrested 14 people and detained two minors in connection with the case.

Residents say tensions have persisted, fuelled by protests, social media posts, and provocative speeches. Farzana, a 22-year-old resident, said her family may leave for a few days around Eid due to safety concerns. “We don’t want to go, but we don’t feel secure right now,” she said.

Another resident, Bilal Rajput, an advocate whose family has lived in the area since the 1970s, acknowledged unease in the neighbourhood. “People are scared. Even neighbours are advising each other to stay safe,” he said, pointing to frequent protests and heavy police presence.

Police officials, including Deputy Commissioner of Police Kushal Pal Singh, said adequate security arrangements are in place. Authorities have also requested social media platforms to remove provocative content and are engaging with users who posted such material. Officials said most of the content originated from outside Delhi and reiterated that efforts are underway to prevent any escalation.