HAPPY, PEACEFUL FESTIVALS
That’s what the Aman Committee — a group of citizens and police personnel in Delhi — always aims for
Eid-ul-Adha, the ongoing Ganapati festivities, and soon after that Navratri, Dussehra and Diwali — festive season is here in full swing. And aiming to ensure that all religious celebrations take place without one community hurting another’s sentiments is the Aman Committee of Delhi, formed around 1980.
“Also known as Nagrik Suraksha Samiti, it was formed at several areas in Delhi that are marked sensitive (residents are a mixed lot, practicing different religions). The committee springs into action before every festival,” says Madhur Verma, DCP and PRO, Delhi Police.
“It consists of police officers, members of political parties and residents from various communities. We pick representatives who hold a position of significance in their residential areas and are popular enough, so in case of an emergency, they can work as an interface between the police and the people. Before major festivals, meetings are organised with the reps,” adds Verma.
Members are proud to have made a difference in the way people perceive the actions of the police, during times of distress. Arjuna Kumar, chiefconvener, Sadar Bazaar Aman Committee, says, “I’ve been a member for 20 years. Before this, there was a lot of chaos, but admirable coordination is seen now. For example, after praying at Jama Masjid, people from all communities wish Muslims, and during Diwali, everyone gets together to share sweets.”
Zia Qureshi, also a member of Sadar Bazaar Aman Committee, says, “The Nagrik Suraksha Committee is a perfect example of secularism. When our 70-80 members get together, no one is known by their political or religious identity. In the end, what matters is aman (peace).”
Mohd Ashif from the committee of Trilokpuri area, says, “We solve major issues within the committee, and that’s the whole purpose of it.”