Molenbeek doesn’t sleep well. It also doesn’t like the media very well. And it has compelling reasons for both. A neighbourhood on the northwestern side of Brussels’s city centre, Molenbeek has been repeatedly shamed for being a “breeding ground for jihadists”. Around 500 Islamic State (IS) fighters in Syria are said to have roots in Belgium. And a number of those men have a Molenbeek connection. Things got worse when Salah Abdeslam, a key suspect in the Paris attacks of November 2015, was arrested from here in March. Of Moroccan descent, Abdeslam evaded arrest for almost four months. His brother is also a suspect in the same case.

Molenbeek residents are getting used to living in the eye of a storm. Abdool, a native of Peshawar and owner of a provisions store here, says “Every place in the world has notorious elements. It’s the same with Molenbeek. But what gives them the right to call us jihadists?” His partner Majid concurs that Molenbeek’s reputation hampers business. “Every child from Molenbeek is eyed with suspicion. Life is difficult and depressing,” adds Abdool.

The youth of Molenbeek face difficulties in getting jobs in the city. That makes them easy targets for organisations like the IS. “The isolation they face everyday make them gravitate towards such outfits... They have too much time and nothing to do,” says Abdool.

Abiding by law and being hardworking reaps little or nothing to those families — mostly of Asian and African descent — who call Molenbeek home. People go about their business as usual but the sense of despondency hangs in the air.

Shome Basuis a Delhi-based photojournalist

Root cause: Salwar kameez on sale at a Pakistani shop

Just another day: Molenbeek women on their way to work to parts of the city

Market watch: The marketplace in Molenbeek is closely guarded by the police

Taste maker: A Pakistani provisions store that also sells Indian masalas

Usual suspects: Belgian police and intelligence keep a close watch on shops selling mobile phones and SIM cards

Street talk: The area around Molenbeek’s City Hall

Soul food: A halal restaurant run by a man from Marrakesh

Published on October 7, 2016