IT’S HIGH ALERT AT HAUZ KHAS

Business has declined and party-goers are feeling less relaxed. But brave faces remain

Recent reports that Hauz Khas Village might be a target of terrorist attacks and that there would be a ban on ladies’ nights have created a situation of chaos in the posh party destination. HKV, the go-to place for revellers and foreigners in the city, is facing a lockdown. Increased security presence because of terror threats has led to a decline in the number of people visiting the many establishments there.

“Such situations lead to a decrease in customers. But I don’t think there’s anything to panic about. There’s a terror threat every day now, and that’s the sad reality of our lives. The only thing we can do is carry on with our lives and stay vigilant,” says Joy Singh, owner of Raasta restaurant.

Rachit Goil, owner of Cravity restaurant, says that while walk-in patrons are fewer now, food ordering has increased. “It’s true that people don’t feel safe coming to Hauz Khas, but that’s the case everywhere. We shouldn’t stop living our life the way we want to,” he adds.

Students who would earlier hang out at HKV are crestfallen — and very cautious. The party mood is not so upbeat now.

“Earlier, when we used to go out partying or chilling with friends, we felt carefree. But, that’s not the case anymore, especially in Hauz Khas. We still go there but we are extremely cautious. I never go alone. I always go with my group,” says Soumya Joshi, 19.

Samiha Singh, also 19, feels braver. She says, “Delhi has always been on the radar for terrorists. Increased security is okay. But I feel one should not create panic.”

Shubhi Singh, a 22-yearold professional, says that the threat perception has made HKV even less of a destination for her. “Everybody knows that Hauz Khas Village is not a safe place, especially for a woman. Now, it’s facing a terror threat and that would make it worse. I used to go [there] earlier, but now I rarely go.” She adds that the police are just doing their job.

Restaurateurs, RWA and the police need to work together to ensure that people’s freedom to enjoy is not taken away ABHISHEK MARWAHA, OWNER, HI5 RESTAURANT

HKV is not a safe place, especially for a woman. Now, it’s facing a terror threat and that makes it worse SHUBHI SINGH, VISITOR

These warmongers want us scared and locked inside our own home and we shouldn’t let them JOY SINGH, RESTAURATEUR

HT PHOTO

PHOTO: SAUMYA KHANDELWAL/HT