The narrow lanes of Hastsal village in Uttam Nagar, Delhi, are heavy with an uneasy quiet ahead of Eid on Saturday. The area is under heavy police presence following a clash on Holi that led to the murder of 26-year-old Tarun Kumar.
Eighteen-year-old Vaishali Kumar, who sells sevvaiyyan, a fine vermicelli synonymous with Eid-ul-Fitr, said that people from nearby areas are not coming to the market out of fear, resulting in a significant drop in sales.
Seven-year-old Rabia Khanam, who usually enjoys the festive atmosphere, said that this year's celebrations are subdued due to the ongoing tensions.
The police have made elaborate security arrangements, deploying riot control vehicles and personnel from the Rapid Action Force, CRPF, and local police. Multiple CCTV cameras have been installed to monitor the area, and social media is being closely monitored to prevent the spread of provocative content.
Despite the efforts, residents and shopkeepers say that festivities are likely to remain subdued, with many people choosing to celebrate Eid in the safety of their homes or with relatives in other areas.
