Thousands have left Trilokpuri

NEW DELHI: The outward calm in Trilokpuri belies the insecurity Muslims in the area are grappling with. Many families are said to have moved out since last Thursday, when riots broke out. Locals say the migration started from blocks 20, 27 and 28, and women and children were sent away first. After houses and shops were attacked, many Muslims from blocks 15, 29 and 30 also moved out.Those who have stayed behind allege they were threatened by the mob.
Mehboob, a resident of Block 28, alleged a mob set his car on fire, sparing those of his Hindu neighbours. "Some locals were directing the rioters to target Muslims. Someone identified my car and set fire to it. Then they rushed towards my house, pelted stones at it and also hammered it with crowbars." Police chased the mob away in time, but a shaken Mehboob promptly sent his daughters to his uncle's house in another locality.
Mohammed Qurbaan, who lives in Block 20, where violence started last Thursday, opened his shop on Wednesday. He said his shop and also his house were attacked. "We feared for our lives because this is where the violence started. Moreover, the colony across the road from us is predominantly a Hindu area." Qurbaan also sent his two daughters, a daughter-in-law and his son away. "My wife and I can't run far. We have our house and shop here. Somebody needs to keep the household running."
A muezzin from a mosque, who did not wish to be named, said he wants to move out. "I come from Bihar, but want to leave now as I am old and alone. How will I arrange for the travel? For now, I feel safe living in the mosque with people of my community. Some young boys keep coming over to assure me every day." He claimed about 350 Muslim families have left Trilokpuri's Block 30, and another 200 to 300 families each have left from blocks 27, 28, 29 and 15.