Tragedy struck Uttarakhand’s Haldwani as violence erupted on Thursday, resulting in the loss of lives of at least two individuals. Officials have confirmed that the clashes were not spontaneous but rather planned. The unrest stemmed from the demolition of an “illegally built” madrasa and an adjoining mosque in Banbhoolpura, which triggered outrage among residents.
Casualties and Injuries
Reports from news agency PTI indicate that a significant number of those hospitalized were police personnel, with others being municipal workers involved in the demolition activities. The violence left a grim toll, with fatalities and numerous injuries, including over 100 policemen, as confirmed by AP Anshuman, State ADG Law and Order.
Heightened Security Measures
Following the turmoil, Haldwani saw a heavy security presence, with a state-wide high alert declared by the Uttarakhand government. To maintain order and prevent further unrest, internet services were suspended, and all educational institutions in Nainital were ordered shut. Additionally, shops in Haldwani remained closed as a precautionary measure.
Widespread Alert and Monitoring
The ripple effects of the violence extended beyond Uttarakhand, prompting a high alert in neighboring Uttar Pradesh. Authorities initiated strict vehicle checks and intensified surveillance of social media platforms to quell any potential escalation.
Official Statements and Investigation
Addressing the media, Vandana Singh, Nainital District Magistrate, emphasized that law enforcement and administrative bodies did not instigate any violence. She highlighted ongoing efforts to identify and apprehend the perpetrators through CCTV footage. Moreover, she underscored that the removal of encroachments was in compliance with a High Court order and condemned attempts to incite harm during the process.
Protests and Demolitions Against Government Land Encroachment
Illegally Constructed Structures
Senior Superintendent of Police Prahlad Meena, speaking to PTI, revealed that both the madrasa and the mosque were built on government land without permission. As a result, demolitions were authorized by the court and executed with a significant police presence, including Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) personnel.
Protests and Escalating Tension
Anger and frustration erupted among residents as the demolitions commenced. Large crowds, including women, took to the streets to voice their opposition to the action. Tensions soared as the mob set fire to multiple vehicles, including a police patrol car. The situation worsened by evening, leading to the torching of the Banbhoolpura Police Station. Subsequently, the District Magistrate issued a shoot-on-sight order to restore order.
Government Response and Review
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami convened a meeting in Dehradun on Thursday, accompanied by senior officials such as Chief Secretary Radha Raturi and DGP Abhinav Kumar, to assess the situation in Haldwani. Urging for calm, he instructed officials to take strict action against those instigating violence and chaos.
Uttarakhand High Court Hearing
Petition to Stop Demolition
A hearing took place at the Uttarakhand High Court on Thursday regarding a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed to halt the demolition of the mosque and madrasa in Haldwani. The petition, filed by Safia Malik and others from Malik colony, contested the notice issued by the Haldwani Municipal Corporation to the petitioners, challenging the legality of the demolition.
No Relief Granted
Despite the petition, the vacation bench presided over by Justice Pankaj Purohit did not grant any relief. As a result, the demolition activities proceeded as planned. The court scheduled the next hearing on February 14 to further deliberate on the matter.