Amid the spiral of violence,two villages offer peace and hope

“I asked them not to tarnish the honour of our village by leaving. We have always lived together and our relationship is symbiotic. Some Hindus work in fields owned by a Muslim,and vice versa,” said Ram Chandra,pradhan of Dongar.

Chandra did not just reassure the Muslims of his village,he also suggested that they should bring others in danger to Dongar. “People want to flee because of rumours. Those instigating violence are all outsiders. We will protect our brothers and form a ring around them if we have to.

Their relatives are welcome to seek refuge here too,” he said.

A similar story played out in Kharad village,about 40 km away. “We were preparing to leave the village when Jat elders approached us and asked us to stay. They said we have lived in harmony for decades,and nothing should sully that friendship,” said Ilauddin,who has lived in Kharad all his life.

Less than a day ago,Kharad witnessed an exodus. But Ilauddin and others like him have now decided to remain in the village. “We lived in fear for the last two days and didn’t even venture out of our homes. We didn’t speak with Hindus out of fear. But it now seems that there should have been no fear,” he said.

“Both these meetings were held in front of the police. We are glad that this is happening,and the police have promised all help necessary,” said DSP Alok Priyadarshi.

Muzaffarnagar has been under the shadow of fear for three days. In Dongar and Kharad,hope emerges.