New Delhi, March 19 A civil society group comprising prominent Muslim leaders wrote to Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday regarding "open threats" to the Muslim community in Uttam Nagar here, and urged him to issue specific instructions to the police to take strict action.
The letter by Citizens for Fraternity (CFF) was signed by former Delhi lieutenant governor Najeeb Jung, ex-AMU vice chancellor Zamir Uddin Shah, former MP Shahid Siddiqui, industrialist Saeed Shervani, and former customs commissioner Syed Mahmood Akhter.
"It is unfortunate that the reprehensible death of young Tarun on Holi, which we strongly condemn, has been allowed to simmer and escalate into communal trouble. Despite prompt police action and the arrest of the perpetrators, there are numerous groups, individuals, and organizations that have visited Uttam Nagar to disturb the peace of the area," they said in their letter to Shah.
They stated that many had threatened to disrupt Eid prayers in retaliation, deeming the threats as pure incitement.
"The perpetrators must be dealt with according to the law and be awarded the punishment that will serve as a deterrent. This incident must not be allowed to be used by vested interests to create communal and disharmony in Delhi," the CFF letter read.
"We earnestly request that specific instructions be issued to the police to be vigilant and take strict action against those making open threats. We are confident that your directions will have the necessary positive effect," it read.
Tension gripped West Delhi's Uttam Nagar after the killing of 26-year-old Tarun on Holi on March 4, following a clash between his family and their neighbors in the JJ Colony area. The row erupted after a girl from Tarun's family threw a balloon, splashing a woman from the neighbor's family during Holi celebrations.
Some Hindu outfits later staged a protest against the killing and set fire to two vehicles belonging to the accused family members.
The police have since increased security and made heavy deployments in the affected areas to prevent further flare-ups ahead of Eid.