By Mumtaz Alam Falahi, TwoCircles.net
New Delhi: While Jamia Nagar was being demonized and its image along with that of Jamia Millia Islamia tarnished following the killing of two suspected terrorists in September 19 encounter at Batla House, Hindu businessmen in the area were wondering why the entire area was being labeled as the hub of terrorists.
Their surprise was reasonable as they hardly encountered a criminal while doing business in the area, not to talk of terrorists.
“I do not agree with the view of the police that the area has become a hotbed of terrorism. I have been here at this shop for years and none came here and tried to use force while purchasing any item,” says Ajit Chauhan (27). If locals are becoming terrorists, it should reflect in their manner, he adds.
Sitting at his electric goods shop near Okhla Head bus stand Chauhan denies that he ever felt any communal feeling here despite the fact that “more than 98% of my customers are Muslims as the area is overwhelmingly Muslim-dominated.” Rather, he says, the people are very civilized and talk good and cultured.
Similar is the view of Mohit, owner of Chawla Paints shop in the lane connecting Okhla Head and Batla House. He admits that he never came across any individual who ever tried to misuse the presence of the overwhelming majority of his community in the area. More than 99% of his customers are Muslims and barring one or two incident in years, he had no quarrel with any.
He, however, admits that “new people residing in the area seem to have communal feeling and this is reflective when they come and talk while purchasing something from my shop.”
There are dozens of big shops owned by Hindu businessmen in the area. The Aggarwal chain of sweet shops has their outlet in the heart of Batla House and flourishing. Almost all of their customers are Muslims. Despite Delhi bombings, Batla House encounter, charged atmosphere in Jamia Nagar and ongoing communal riots in some states, they are working as usual as if nothing has happened.
This is a good sign and in fact these Hindu-owned businesses in this area stand witness that everything has not lost when it comes to communal harmony in the country.