Uneasy peace in Delhi's Trilokpuri as prohibitory orders relaxed

Delhi Police Thursday relaxed prohibitory orders for 12 hours in Trilokpuri area, which was hit by communal clashes, but people were still apprehensive that stone-pelting incidents may start again.

"The prohibitory order relaxation was effective from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.," said Joint Commissioner of Police Sanjay Beniwal.

Many shops opened but schools and government offices in the area remained closed.

People were a little comfortable but the fear of riots could be seen on their faces.

"Police are here but we still fear that stone-pelting may start again. My children are in fear. They say they don't want to go to school," Trilokpuri resident Mohd. Razza told IANS.

Two groups of Hindus and Muslims clashed on Diwali Oct 23 after which the authorities imposed prohibitory orders banning gathering and movement of people.

Police also organised a community meeting Thursday evening in the four most affected blocks of the area.

Residents sang the national anthem in the presence of leaders from both the communities. Senior police officers were also present.

Police Wednesday relaxed prohibitory orders for six hours during Chhath Puja. So far, 68 people have been arrested for the clashes.

Trilokpuri, divided into 36 blocks, is being manned by over 1,000 security personnel from Delhi Police, Rapid Action Force and Central Reserve Police Force along with over 30 police vans, water cannons and riot control vehicles.