New Delhi, Mar 3 (IANS): During the recent communal clashes in northeast Delhi, the communal brotherhood and harmony came to the fore and helped save many lives, according to the Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH) here on Tuesday.

This was stated by the JIH after a team of senior Jamaat leaders, led by its president Sadatullah Hussaini, visited the areas hit by riots that started on February 23 claimed 46 lives and left over 300 injured.

Amid violence people of different faiths helped each other, said Hussaini. "In many cases, Hindus saved the lives of Muslims and vice-versa. It also endorses the opinion that the riots were orchestrated and executed by outsiders," said Hussaini.

The need of the hour was providing the healing touch to the victims, he added.

In a statement, he also raised questions over the conduct of the police. "The role of police was appalling. In many instances, they were bystanders at the best and active collaborators at the worst. The victims and survivors are traumatised and in despair," he said.

So much was the fear that injured were not coming forward for medication apprehending that the police would take action against them only, he added.

Stating that one of the worst hit areas was Shiv Vihar, the JIH leader said the riot-affected families shared with them their plight and also how 7-8 families were forced to live in one house as refugees. "They need to be rehabilitated immediately," he said.

The delegation also visited the Jafrabad Eidgah, which had the capacity to shelter around 2,000 people. "The Jamaat is helping with essential commodities at the relief camps in coordination with like-minded NGOs, the Delhi government and the local populace," he said.

The attacks indicated meticulous planning and specific targeting of Muslims, their businesses and places of worship, the JIH said. The Gokulpuri tyre market with over 200 shops were razed, it said and added, gas cylinders were deployed to cause maximum damage.

The JIH has set up a control centre to coordinate relief activities, being supervised by its Secretary Mohammed Ahmed.

The centre would carry out a survey, assess the scale of damage, help victims with documentation required for claiming compensation. It would also organise psychological counselling and medical relief for the riot victims.