Despite BSF Deployment, People Refuse to Return to Atali Village

People affected by communal violence at Ballabhgarh refuse to return even after the deployment of BSF troops.

Communal violence broke out between Muslims and Jats in Atali village in Ballabhgarh area of Faridabad district on Monday evening.

100 members of a community are still refusing to return to their homes in the village, despite the deployment of BSF troops, and are taking refuge at the Ballabhgarh police station, DCP Bhupinder Singh said. The violence broke out over the construction of a religious structure in the village. Singh further said that arrests have been made in the case and prohibitory orders are still in place.

Members of the Minority Commission had visited the village and also met officials from the police and administration.

After discussions with the aggrieved people, the Commission communicated certain conditions which the affected people had laid before them.

The people demanded filing of cases against the accused and their immediate arrests and also, the removal of the Station House Officer who was on duty at the time of the violence. Presently he is on ‘line hazir’ status.

They also asked for compensation, in a reply to which Commission member, T N Shanu, said the Centre has already announced a compensation of Rs 1.50 crores.