Riot-victims residing in Malakpur relief camp in neighbouring Shamli district have refused to leave the place, officials have said. On Saturday, a team of officials from Baghpat visited the Malakpur camp and appealed the victims to return to their native villages. But the victims have refused to leave the camp owing to fear, they said.

"We have appealed them to shift to safer places due to biting cold," Shamli District Magistrate P K Singh said. Singh denied that authorities were trying to forcefully vacate the camp.

About 250 displaced families were residing in the camp. District authorities have assured the security to the victims if they returned to their native village Wajidpur, Superintendent of Police Baghpat J K Shahi told media persons.

But, they refused to leave the camp.

The team has returned, Shahi added. Meanwhile Secretary of Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind of Delhi Hakimuddin has alleged that the district authorities are trying to vacate the camp without giving any alternative place.