Turmoil erupted in Uttarakhand's Haldwani
On 8th February, turmoil erupted in Uttarakhand's Haldwani after the demolition of an illegally built Madarsa and an adjoining mosque in Banbhoolpura.This event was followed by intense violence in Haldwani, resulting in four deaths and over hundred cops injured.
Haldwani under high alert, shoot at sight orders against rioters
A heightened scale of violence was seen after the demolition due to which Uttarakhand is in high alert. This incident leaves Haldwani under curfew. Schools and colleges have been suspended. Internet services have also been shut down. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami calls a high-level meeting in the wake of tension and riots. He has also issued a shoot at sight orders against rioters and trouble creators. Madarsa, adjoining the mosque was declared illegal which led to its demolition. The residents tried to resist the process of demolition.
District Magistrate Vandana Singh says, "This was not communal"
Nanital District Magistrate Vandana Singh said, "This is an unfortunate incident. The accused will be identified and strict action will be taken. This was not communal. I request everybody to not make it communal or sensitive. Any particular community did not retaliate. This was an effort to challenge the state machinery, state government and the law and order situation. It is an empty property that has two structures, which is not registered as a religious structure or has been given any such recognition. Some call the structure a Madarsa. .....The demolition drive started peacefully, the force was deployed for prevention. Stones were pelted on our Municipal Corporation's team......It was planned that the day the demolition drive would be conducted the forces would be attacked.....The first mob with stones dispersed and the second mob that came in had petrol bombs. This was unprovoked and our team did not use any force."
The eyewitnesses recall horror as the rioters pelted stones at the policemen. It is shocking and terrifying how an anti-encroachment drive took such an ugly turn after the demolition of illegally built Madarsa. People restored to Arson, stone pelting and even opened fire outside a police station. An eyewitness said that for the first time he saw policemen and officials in hundreds of numbers running to save their lives from the people who were pelting stones at them from all sides. The women were injured, their heads fractured, someone's hand was broken, everyone was in pain.
Chief Secretary of State Radha Raturi said that they have held a meeting and took stock of the situation. The government will soon restore peace in the region; law of the land will be implemented. And soon, things will return to normalcy. I appeal to all citizens to not spread or pay heed to any kinds of rumours and help maintain peace."
Press Trust of India shared a video of Haldwani's violence on X and wrote, "The authorities in Uttarakhand's Haldwani demolished a madrasa believed to have been illegally constructed near the Banbhulpura police station today."
