Atali: It's been a week since over 20 houses in Faridabad's Atali village were torched but more than 150 Muslims of the area have refused to return to their home. Even as the tension continues to simmer, 20-odd Muslim families have taken shelter in the Ballabhgarh City Police Station.
A riot victim, said, "We are living in a lot of difficulty but we won't go back."
Remembering that horrific day, another victim said, "They covered their face and were armed with knives, swords and petrol cans."
The administration is yet to provide any help or compensation and no arrests have been made so far.
ACP Vishnu Dayal said, "We are trying to bring both the communities together and make them sort out the issues peacefully."
The fight took place over a plot of land. While the local jats claim it belongs to the panchayat, a local court had ruled in favour of Muslims in an order in March. But some of the victims said that the trouble started when they began building a mosque from April 10.
The village elders now claim that they will let them build the mosque in the village but the case filed by the victims against the alleged rioters should be retracted.
A village elder said, "We didn't want a mosque near the temple but now we have agreed. But they should take back the case."
The villagers also denied that any of the local boys were involed in the arson and riot. But amidst claims and counter claims, it is the harmony of the village which is getting lost. It's also a test for the new BJP government at the Centre.
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