Friendly neighbourhood terrorists

Salim Chawl residents share the trauma of being neighbours of Sayyed Md Hanif and his wife convicted in the 2003 twin blasts case

Friendly neighbourhood terrorists

Salim Chawl residents share the trauma of being neighbours of Sayyed Md Hanif and his wife convicted in the 2003 twin blasts case

It's not easy to love thy neighbour, especially they've turned out to be terrorists.

For residents of Salim Chawl that was home to Sayyed Mohammed Hanif and his wife Fahmeeda, who were found guilty for their involvement in the August 25, 2003, twin blasts, their world turned topsy-turvey after cops came knocking on their doors looking for suspected bombers.

Six years on, the chawl in Chimatpada, Andheri (east) is bustling with activity, but a chill runs down their spine each time they think of the day the Sayyeds were arrested.

Terror house
u00a0
Today, the flat where the Sayyeds lived houses Ahmad Mirza, his wife Aasma and their son. Said Aasma, "When we moved in, a few months after the incident, people looked at us with suspicion.

In fact, the chawl was considered a hub of terror activity and nobody was willing to come here. Now, that the verdict is out we will be able to live in peace, after six painful years." The family pays a rent of Rs 2,500 for the flat.

Down memory lane

The residents of Salim chawl still vividly recall the shock of learning that their neighbours of nine years, Hanif and Fahmeeda, were associated with a terrorist organisation.

For months life came to a standstill. While cops increased the frequency of their visits to the chawl, vegetable vendors, hawkers would avoid venturing into the locality and autorickshaw drivers refused to enter, recall the locals.

Resident Mohammad Faizal said, "We never imagined that they could have been involved in a terror attack. Hanif was rarely seen, but his son Irfan was around most of the time."

Said Suraiya Bano, another resident, "The Sayyed's actions caused many problems for the community. After the incident, we've become more alert while interacting with strangers."

Monday's verdict came as a relief, taking them a step closer to closure.

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels