Rath yatra over, Muslims heave sigh of relief

Recalls Saberabibi Munir Ahmed, a resident of Banna ni Masjid in Dariapur, ‘‘For many days there were rumours something would happen during the rath yatra and we were on our toes. I had even packed few important documents and gold jewellery just in case. This morning, we finished our household chores earlier than usual and ensured that children were inside the house by noon.’’

At Jamalpur Chakla — from where the rath yatra started — only 30 per cent of the people attended the procession as compared to last year. Salmabibi Chandbhai, a vegetable vendor, says she has always been part of the yatra but stayed away this time. ‘‘I was busy,’’ smiles the 45-year-old, but the fear shows in her eyes. ‘‘I only peeped out the window and watched,’’ she says.

Ismailbhai Quereshi from Dariapur says he was aware of the tension build-up over the last few days. ‘‘We had instructed everyone to maintain janata curfew and stay indoors. Only a few people went to relatives’ place or camps but they were those whose houses had been looted. Everyone was nervous and scared but it was a rumour,’’ he says.

The entry to many lanes in Dariapur and Shahpur had been blocked with lorries, autorickshaws and poles. ‘‘We meant to abide with janata curfew and residents were asked to stay put,’’ says Babubhai Murtwala, trustee of Banna Masjid in Dariapur.

Sairabano Gulam Mohammad, a resident of Dhalgarwad in Dariapur, says women remained at home. However, the sound of people rejoicing was painful, she says. ‘‘We saw them dancing, jumping and singing songs. I was thinking of how they could do it after all that happened,’’ says Sairabano.

The fear is still palpable. But with the July 12 rumours being scotched, these people are hoping that life will revert to normal soon.