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KHAILAM (BAREILLY): On Thursday, when kanwar yatris were to pass through Khailam, a Muslim-dominated village in Bareilly district which had witnessed communal clashes around Shivratri last year, the communal divide was clearly visible.

While the lane leading to a Shiva temple was bustling with kanwariyas dancing to loud DJ music, the area adjacent wore a deserted look. Over the past few days, majority of Muslim families have left the village fearing clashes and police action, especially after Aliganj SHO Vishal Pratap Singh issued ‘red cards’ to nearly 250 locals, warning them against creating any kind of mischief during the kanwar procession.

Around 12.30pm Thursday, a group of 150 kanwariyas, dancing to loud music emanating from a DJ installed on a tractor , arrived after performing jalabhishek at Gauri Shankar temple in the neighbouring Guledia village. Heavy police force had already been deployed and kanwariyas were escorted to the Shiva temple through the Muslim-dominated area. Barring a few elderly men and cattle, there was no sign of life in the locality.

“Red cards were issued to both Hindus and Muslims. It was a preventive measure to ensure peace,” SHO Singh told TOI. Ayyub Khan, 70, one of the few Muslims to have stayed back, runs a small shop outside his house which is situated on the lane leading to the Shiva Temple.

“I have been living here for decades. Until last year, we had never seen violence during the yatra. In fact, locals looked forward to the hustle bustle. The involvement of certain mischievous outsiders led to clashes last year after which over 250 people were booked of which a large number were Muslims. That is why, this time people thought it best to leave,” he said.

