Day after demolition drive, Jaipur’s Bharu Marg remains under heavy guard

Jaipur: A day after the Jaipur Development Authority (JDA) demolished the Noorani Mosque and four other religious structures on Bharu Marg in Nandpuri Colony, the area continued to remain under an unprecedented security blanket Tuesday, with residents questioning the need for such extensive restrictions despite the absence of any unrest.The roughly 700-metre stretch, flanked by railway tracks on one side and debris from the demolition drive on the other, was barricaded at both ends and at every connecting lane. A large contingent of police personnel, including members of the Jaipur Commissionerate’s Special Task Force, remained deployed across the area throughout the day.Barricades were set up at both ends, and across every lane and by-lane that links to this section, staffed by a sizeable force of constables and assistant sub-inspectors. Given the scale of security, it could easily be mistaken for post-violence policing. However, there were no reports of any disturbance.Recalling the period following the Babri Masjid demolition in 1992, Suraj Prasad Sharma, a long-time resident of neighbouring Nandpuri Colony, said only a handful of police personnel were posted in the locality at the time.“That was nothing compared to the security arrangements for Monday and Tuesday. Don’t understand one thing. If everything was done following the rule book, then why is the govt so apprehensive?” Sharma added.Some residents linked the heightened security to concerns over the demolition drive itself. They pointed out that while the mosque was completely razed, one of the affected temples was only partially removed and now resembles a chaupar in the middle of the road.Residents said access restrictions extended beyond outsiders and media personnel. Domestic workers, delivery agents and even civic service providers were diverted through alternate routes, forcing people living on Bharu Marg to access their homes through adjoining lanes.Despite the extensive deployment, residents and police officials alike acknowledged that there were no signs of resistance or disturbance since the demolition.“There were no representatives of the mosque present at this site since Monday morning. Even other locals who were affected because of this demolition drive have accepted their fates and are not creating any trouble. Yet the govt is apprehensive about a ruckus or a riot,” said a police officer on duty.