In recent years‚ Muslim families in Delhi have been relocating to crowded enclaves‚ seeking safety in numbers. This trend began after the violent riots in early 2020 and has continued due to a rise in anti-Muslim sentiment.
Nasreen and Tofik a Muslim couple‚ moved to Loni (a remote area with a large Muslim population) after Tofik was injured during the riots. “I will not go back to that area I feel safer among Muslims‚“ Tofik said. Their story isnt unique many Muslim families in Delhi are making similar choices.
Jamia Nagar‚ a central neighborhood in Delhi‚ has become a popular destination for Muslims seeking refuge. However its becoming overcrowded‚ despite a construction boom. Raes Khan a real estate agent‚ noted that Muslim clients now almost exclusively ask for homes in Muslim-majority areas.
This segregation trend has increased significantly in the past decade according to Raphael Susewind a political anthropologist. He attributes this to rising Islamophobia under the current government which came to power about 10 years ago.
The move to Muslim enclaves often comes with challenges. Many of these areas lack proper economic and educational infrastructure. Muskan Nasreenʼs daughter‚ had to drop out of school after their move due to inadequate resources. Tofikʼs income also halved as he could only work reduced hours in their new location.
No matter how brave a Muslim might be‚ they feel they have to move because if a mob comes‚ how brave can you really be?
Despite these difficulties‚ many Muslims feel they have no choice but to relocate. The rise in anti-Muslim hate speech and violence has created a sense of insecurity among the community. Recent data shows a significant increase in such incidents with some linked to political figures.
While the government denies any discrimination Jamal Siddiqui a senior official‚ suggested that affordability might be a factor in Muslims choosing to live in segregated areas. However‚ community leaders and experts argue that safety concerns are the primary driver of this trend