Residents of Subhash Mohalla in Northeast Delhi demand justice after lights installed for Ramadan were vandalised
Team Clarion
NEW DELHI — In a shocking incident in the North East District of the national capital, the husband of a local councillor has been accused of threatening Muslim residents and vandalising street lights installed during the holy month of Ramadan. The incident, which occurred in North Ghonda Street No. 1 (Peerwali) of Subhash Mohalla, has left the Muslim community feeling unsafe. They have now announced their intention to sell their homes and move elsewhere.
The controversy began when residents of the area, comprising 30 to 40 Muslim households, pooled money to install street lights during the blessed month of Ramadan The initiative was aimed at ensuring the safety and convenience of all residents. However, the gesture of goodwill was met with hostility when Ashish Punia, the husband of Subhash Vihar Councillor Nisha Punia, allegedly arrived with supporters and destroyed the lights.
Eyewitnesses claim Punia threatened the Muslim residents, saying, “These lights are not your father’s. If you want to install lights, do it in your houses.” He further allegedly declared, “If you want to live here, you will have to say Jai Shri Ram.”
The incident has sparked outrage among locals, with many condemning the act as an attack on communal harmony. Muhammad Danastad, a resident, recounted the events, stating, “We installed the lights to brighten the street for Ramadan and Eid-ul Fitr. But Ashish Punia and his supporters broke them, leaving us feeling targeted and unsafe.”
Following the altercation, Muslim residents protested by holding placards reading, “Our house is for sale,” signalling their distress and intention to leave the area. The police intervened, mediating a peace agreement between the two parties. While the Muslim community has temporarily withdrawn its decision to sell their homes, tensions remain high.
Locals have called for the boycott of individuals who disrupt communal harmony. “Such anti-social elements should be boycotted by all justice-loving people, regardless of religion, to strengthen Hindu-Muslim unity,” said one resident.
The police have issued a warning against any further attempts to disturb the peace. “We have warned both parties that strict action will be taken against anyone who tries to spoil the atmosphere,” said a police official.
The incident has raised questions about the safety and inclusivity of minorities in the area. Another resident lamented, “Why are Muslims being forced to migrate from this part of Delhi? Such actions only deepen divisions.”
