Aman Committee heads peaceful Muharram procession in Trilokpuri

Aman Committee members Tuesday headed the Muharram procession in riot-hit Trilokpuri in east Delhi to ensure it remained peaceful, amid heavy presence of police and paramilitary forces.

The Aman Committee - a group of 40 Hindu, Muslim, Sikh and Christian members - has played a crucial role in maintaining peace in Trilokpuri where communal violence erupted Oct 23 over Diwali celebration, leaving 60 people, including policemen, injured.

Riyasat Ali, Aabid and Palua - all from the Aman Committee - have been working round the clock to maintain peace and harmony in Trilokpuri with their associates. They are the real heroes, Deputy Commissioner of Police Ajay Kumar told IANS.

Earlier, the group had ensured a peaceful "Jagran", a Hindu religious gathering, he said.

Over 30 Hindu volunteers along with the members of Aman Committee headed a peaceful Muharram procession in the presence of over 1,200 policemen, including paramilitary forces.

"Six Muharram processions comprising over 1,200 people set out from Block 27 and 32 of Trilokpuri around 2 p.m. and terminated at the symbolic Karbala in Kotla peacefully," said Kumar.

Muslims observe Muharram to mourn the death of Imam Hussein ibn Ali, a grandson of Prophet Mohammad, in the battle of Karbala.

The Hindu volunteers also organised 'chhabil', a water stall, along with Muslims.

Delhi Police made preparations to ensure a peaceful Muharram.

"Six additional companies of police, RAF and BSF were deployed in Trilokpuri for precautionary measures," said the official.

The police also did continuous recce of the locality with unmanned aerial vehicle, commonly known as drone.

Sharp-edged objects like blades, chains and whips, which are traditionally used by the devout to inflict physical pain on themselves as part of Muharram mourning, were not allowed during the procession.

Prohibitory orders, banning any gathering or movement of groups, in Trilokpuri Tuesday were relaxed from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

So far, 68 people have been arrested in connection with the clashes.

Over 1,000 policemen, including Rapid Action Force (RAF) and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel, have been deployed in the area since Oct 26.