After Years Of Isolation, Islam Nagar Joins Revelry

Ranchi/Jamshedpur: It was a special Eid for the residents of Islam Nagar, most of them Muslims. Having spent many summers isolated from the mainstream, they can now hope to join them in celebrating the festival from the comforts of what they have so long been deprived of — a place that they can call home.Following the high court order on the rehabilitation of the displaced in the same area some months ago, next Eid may find them in their own homes.Rendered homeless during the anti-encroachment drive in 2011, people of Islam Nagar have been living on the debris of their homes since then. Following the HC order, they will soon be given proper houses to live in the same place from where they were displaced. Mohd Shakil, a social activist, who lodged a PIL in favour of the residents of Islam Nagar said: “Earlier, there were plans of rehabilitating the homeless to Madhukam, but that did not happen. Now the HC wants them rehabilitated to where they used to live. The land, which belongs to Polytechnic College, will be taken over by the government and houses will be built for the displaced.” Mohd Saqib, a resident of Islam Nagar said, “I hope we get our homes back before the next Eid. That would be Allah’s gift to us. We are thankful to Him for having heard our prayers.” Eid was celebrated across the state with great fanfare and fervour on Saturday. The day begun with the offerings of namaz early in the morning. This was followed with Eid Mubarak wishes and hectic visits to friends and families.A wide variety of delicacies — both vegetarian and non-vegetarian fare — were cooked at all the Muslim households. Sewai was the first thing to be offered to the visitors.A grand celebration was also organized at Jamshedpur. However, it is being feared that many businesses will be affected owing to the long leaves of people from the Muslim community. Mohd Khalid, who is popular among the customers for his decorative handmade bedsheets, pillow covers and blankets, has left his clients in the lurch for the time being. For, the 53-year-old weaver turned-bed accessories designer, who owns a shop in Shastrinagar, has left for his ancestral town in Chapra, Bihar to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr with family and friends. “Till he returns (sometime after July 25), the shop will remain closed as two of his assistants have also gone home (who are residents of Purulia district in Bengal),” rued Anwar Khalil, who owns a betel shop next to Khalid’s makeshift shop-cum-store. JMM member Dr Nasar Firdausi said many Muslims from Bihar, Odisha and Bengal earn their livelihood in the industrial town by working as fruit vendors, weavers, construction workers and puncture repairing boys in the city. “They leave for their respective homes to celebrate Eid with family, relatives and friends every year,” said Dr Firdausi.