New Delhi, Feb 3 (PTI) – Five years after the devastating communal riots in northeast Delhi, the scars remain, not just in the memories of the residents but in the very fabric of their neighborhood. While the charred buildings of Shiv Vihar and surrounding areas have been rebuilt, the trust that once bound communities together has been irreparably damaged.
The February 2020 riots, which erupted following clashes between supporters and opponents of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), claimed over 50 lives and left hundreds injured. The violence unfolded just after the Delhi assembly elections, and now, with another election on February 5, the reminders of unresolved issues linger.
A Changed Demographic, A Broken Trust
In Shiv Vihar, one of the worst-affected areas, the air of unease is palpable. "The area is calm now, but the trust is gone. People coexist but no longer believe in each other," said Harpal Singh, a 68-year-old shopkeeper who has lived in the locality for three decades.Singh recalls how the neighborhood was once predominantly Hindu, but over the years, Muslim families moved in. "After the riots, about 90% of Hindus sold their properties and left. People are still leaving, fearing another outbreak of violence," he added.
The demographic shift is evident. Muslims, too, have left in smaller numbers. Mohammad Javed Ali, a 36-year-old automobile repairman, echoed Singh’s words. “We used to live together in harmony. Now, people interact, but there is no trust anymore.”
Daily Struggles in a Neglected Locality
Beyond the fractured social fabric, Shiv Vihar struggles with basic amenities. Its narrow lanes, broken roads, and garbage piles are a stark contrast to Delhi’s more developed areas. Residents lament the lack of government attention despite numerous promises of redevelopment.“Buildings were rebuilt, but infrastructure remains poor. Politicians visit now because of elections, but we need real change,” said Singh.
Unmet Promises and Political Absences
The aftermath of the riots saw relief efforts, but Singh alleged they were unevenly distributed. "Most of the aid went to Muslim families," he claimed, recalling how he took shelter in a temple for eight days during the violence.The riots also triggered a geographical reshuffle. Singh noted that Hindus moved to Shiv Vihar Phase-10, while Muslims largely relocated to Phase-6, an area that once housed many Hindu families but now has only three left.
The lack of strong political presence during the riots remains a sore point. Ali expressed disappointment with the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), stating, “AAP has done some work here in the last three years, but during the riots, our MLA Haji Yunus was missing. He only arrived when the situation improved.”
AAP has since replaced Yunus with Adil Ahmad Khan as its candidate for Mustafabad.
Elections: A Hope for Change?
For many, the upcoming election is an opportunity to push for progress. “We can’t stay stuck in the past. Our children deserve a better future,” said Sunita Sharma, a 29-year-old homemaker.Despite lingering wounds, some acknowledge that rehabilitation efforts have borne fruit. "Families who had 'kachha' houses now have 'pucca' houses. One-storey homes have turned into two or three-storey structures," said 28-year-old Salman Ahmad.
A Crucial Electoral Battle
Shiv Vihar falls under the Mustafabad Assembly constituency, which has 2,88,902 registered voters—1,55,706 male, 1,33,193 female, and three third-gender voters.The BJP has fielded Mohan Singh Bisht, a sitting MLA from Karawal Nagar, while the Congress has nominated Ali Mehdi, son of former MLA Hasan Mehdi. AIMIM’s candidate, Tahir Hussain, is currently in jail for his alleged role in the 2020 riots but has been granted parole to campaign under police custody from January 29 to February 3.
With polling on February 5 and counting set for February 8, residents hope that the election will bring much-needed development and, perhaps, a chance to rebuild trust.
A Long Road Ahead
Five years after the riots, the physical destruction has been mended, but the emotional scars endure. For Shiv Vihar’s residents, peace is fragile, development is overdue, and trust remains elusive. As election day nears, the question looms—will this vote bring the change they so desperately seek?
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