To counter ‘hate distribution’ in Ghaziabad, Aligarh residents spread message of peace with roses, pens

Agra: Days after a right-wing group allegedly distributed swords among residents in parts of Ghaziabad to "protect the community", a few Muslim residents in Aligarh took to the streets in mixed-population localities on Tuesday and handed over roses and pens to the people as part of an effort to counter the "narrative of hate and fear" — a move appreciated by members of other communities."We particularly went to sensitive parts of the city which have residents of all communities, and distributed roses and pens — door to door — to send a message of communal harmony. There should be no space for hatred and fear in the world's largest democracy," said Nathhu Khan, a local who runs an NGO.Another young participant added, "The pen represents education and awareness, while the rose stands for love and brotherhood. Through this initiative, some of us wanted to remind our brothers that peace and knowledge, not weapons, are the true strength of society."Appreciating the move, Darshan Singh, a shopkeeper in a prominent city market, said, "It is true that some are distributing swords, while today people here are giving away roses and pens." Ramesh, a resident, added, "Everyone should live together, but some people are trying to give a bad name to our liberal religion."Along with Muslim residents, Tuesday's symbolic gesture in Aligarh was held by workers of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM). AIMIM district president (Aligarh), Yameen Abbasi, said the move aimed to defuse hatred and reinforce India's pluralistic values. "Some organisations are trying to spread the narrative that ‘Hindus are in danger'. However, India is a unique nation where people of all faiths have lived together in harmony for many centuries," he said.Last month, UP Police arrested 10 men in connection with the alleged distribution of swords in Ghaziabad, after a purported video of the incident was widely circulated on social media, triggering public outrage. Following the uproar, police registered an FIR against several persons under BNS sections related to rioting.