On Eid, "Sewai" Of Brotherhood In Delhi's Riot-Hit Jahangirpuri

NDTV spoke to Akbar and Raman Jha, whose shops were razed during the April 20 demolition exercise

As households across the country celebrate Eid and Akshaya Tritiya today, the mood in Northwest Delhi's Jahangirpuri is sombre as residents pick up the pieces after the communal clash last month and the demolition drive thereafter.

NDTV spoke to Akbar and Raman Jha, whose shops were razed during the April 20 demolition exercise that threw up heart-rending visuals before it was stayed by the Supreme Court. Their festive spirit dampened by financial losses, both stressed that they want peace as they shared a bowl of sewai.

Asked how his family is celebrating Eid this time, Mr Akbar said, "There is no joy on the face of the children this time. There is disappointment and some fear too. I want to send a message that we stay in India and there is brotherhood between Hindus and Muslims. People should not be led by rumours spread by rioters. We are all brothers."

Mr Jha said every year, he would meet at least a 1,000 people at his shop on this day. "The day was spent hugging people to mark Eid and having sewai. Today, I don't have a shop. There is force on the roads, so I have come into the alleys to meet people. There is brotherhood here, violence broke out due to some disruptive people from outside," he said.