An objection over high loudspeaker volume at a temple triggered a minor clash between two communities at Nand Nagri on the outskirts of North-East Delhi on Friday, warranting police intervention which brought the situation under control. The police said only one person sustained injuries and a Police Control Room van was damaged in stone pelting.
The incident took place around 1-30 p.m. when some members of the Muslim community offering namaz at a mosque requested those at a nearby temple to lower loudspeaker volume as it was causing disturbance. This led to an altercation between the two sides, resulting in a brief spell of stone pelting. Area residents alleged that some outsiders attempted to vitiate the atmosphere.
However, the police soon reached the spot and reasoned with members of both the communities urging them to maintain calm. “A Police Control Room van was taking one of the priests to the police station for further enquiries when someone pelted a stone damaging the vehicle. We have registered a case in this regard. However, no one has been arrested,” said a police officer, adding that one company force has been deployed as a precautionary measure.
North-East Delhi MP J. P. Agarwal said: “It was a minor skirmish and the situation was quickly normalised by the police in association with local religious, social and political leaders.”
Mr. Agarwal termed the incident as an exception in the district which was otherwise harmonious. “In our area, MLAs like Mateen Ahmed and Hasan Ahmed regularly organise Kanwar camps in their respective Assembly constituencies. A large number of Muslims extend full support and cooperation to the Hindu pilgrims,” he added. Praising the area police, Mr. Agarwal said they used minimum force while controlling the situation and also prevented outsiders from entering the locality so that the situation did not escalate.
