No police patrolling round the clock, no mid night knocks, and no surprise raids. And that's highly unusual for this time of the year.
NEW DELHI; It's business as usual at the Jama Masjid area. No police patrolling round the clock, no mid night knocks, and no surprise raids. And that's highly unusual for this time of the year. With the area being close to the Red Fort from where the PM unfurls the Indian flag on August 15 and with a predominantly Muslim population, it is high up on the radar of the security agencies every year.
Additional forces are requisitioned every year during this time to keep a hawk eye on each nook and cranny of the place and the market that usually buzzes is deserted. But not so this year. The popular restaurant Karims is doing brisk business like any other time, Noor Travels is booking as many tickets and there is a long queue for Inayats' Paan. The narrow lane that opens up the magnificent Jama Masjid is crowded and not a single policemen is in site.
How did this happen?
The residents say involvement of the community in policing the area has done the unthinkable. "We formed various teams in collaboration with civil defense members and delegated them the responsibility of watching over the community," said a senior police officer. The idea was to reduce police interference to the minimum, he said. The idea clicked and people came forward with crucial information.
"There has been increased police presence but it's limited to two times a day. Moreover, there has been absolutely no intrusion," said Sarfaraj Ahmed of Noor travels. Mohammed Arsahad who sells saris says the police have been keeping an eye on visitors and also on any unattended baggage.
The PCO booths are under scrutiny though. All STD and ISD calls have been banned, informs Mohammed Sahjeeb of Top Communications. However, he concedes that the ban exits for most parts of the year.
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