#GoodNews: Hindus & Muslims Install Idols at Hauz Qazi Temple

Muslims of the locality not only participated in the procession, but also distributed food & water to those gathered

Last week, when communal tensions peaked in Old Delhi's Hauz Qazi, following the attack on an old Hindu temple, both Hindu and Muslims united in their criticism of the incident and called for peace in the area.

Sticking to their words, on Tuesday, 9 July, the two communities participated in a procession that culminated in the re-establishment of idols at the temple. The procession started about 11 in the morning and moved through the narrow lanes of Lal Quan and Fatehpuri Masjid, before ending at the temple lane.

As a peace gesture, Muslims of the locality not only participated in the procession, but also distributed food and water to those gathered.

Speaking about continuing unity in the area, Dr Ishrat Kafeel, a local resident, told The Quint:

“Communal peace and harmony is in the very nature of Old Delhi. We had participated in the procession and even arranged food for all those who had come. It was a really peaceful event and police have worked really hard in helping us maintain communal peace.”

Dr Ishrat Kafeel, local resident

Tarachand Saxena, a member of the Peace Committee, told NDTV, "The bhandaara (food arrangements) as well the procession were carried out with the support of the people who live in the area. We all stay together. We celebrate Holi, Diwali, Bakr-Id, etc together. What was done was the act of a few miscreants and police is arresting them."

Hindu groups like VHP and Bajrang Dal too had participated in the procession, which saw a line of chariots – some carrying men dressed as Lord Shiv – as singers bandied out songs.

These chariots were flanked by 'dhols' on one side and by ‘shehnais’ on the other, reminding onlookers of that one theme that Old Delhi has continued to march on is, unity in diversity.

Tensions had prevailed in the Hauz Qazi area on the night of 30 June after a fight over parking of a scooter took a communal turn. Following an argument, a temple in the locality was vandalised.

So far, police have arrested seven men and apprehended eight juveniles in connection with the vandalism of the temple. More arrests are likely as search is underway for other suspects.