Demolition Sparks Unrest
Six fatalities and 250 injuries have been reported in the city of Haldwani, Uttarakhand, as violent clashes erupted over the demolition of an illegal madrasa and an adjoining mosque on Thursday. The administration’s move to raze the structures, deemed illegal, led to fierce resistance from residents in the Vanbhulpura area, resulting in widespread chaos. However, District Magistrate, Nainital, Vandana Singh stated that as per the information till now, two people have died.
https://twitter.com/ARanganathan72/status/1755653412895498381
Haldwani Police Confrontation and Injuries
A government team, accompanied by police, faced intense opposition while attempting to clear government land allegedly encroached upon by the madrasa and mosque. The clash resulted in injuries to over 50 policemen, administration officials, municipal workers, and journalists caught in the crossfire. “Unruly elements” threw stones at officials, prompting the police to retaliate with tear gas, escalating the violence.
Demolitions Complying with Court Order
The demolitions, carried out under heavy police and Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) presence, were in compliance with a court order, according to senior Superintendent of Police Prahlad Meena. Enraged residents, including women, took to the streets in protest, breaking barricades and clashing with the police, leading to property damage.
Authentic video Proof : showing illegally residing #Muslims in #Haldwani throwing Stones and Petrol Bombs on Police and Administration workers and common people . pic.twitter.com/9f8LhLrG4y
— 卐 Blitzkreig 卐 (@Tricolour1st) February 8, 2024
Haldwani Government Response and Appeal for Peace
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami dispatched a team to carry out the demolitions, emphasizing that “anti-social elements” clashed with the police. Additional police and central forces are being deployed to restore order, with the Chief Minister appealing to the public for calm. Municipal Commissioner Pankaj Upadhyay highlighted the illegal status of the madrasa and namaz site.
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Curfew Imposed and Precautionary Measures
As tensions rise, a curfew has been imposed across Haldwani, accompanied by the closure of shops and schools in affected areas. The Chief Minister urged officials to deal sternly with “anarchic elements,” while injured individuals, many with head and face injuries, receive treatment in hospitals. Prohibitory orders and a shoot-at-sight policy against rioters were discussed in a meeting with senior officials.
If you ask why NRC is mandatory then the answer is #Haldwani . 20 years back, less than 1000 Muslim population was in Haldwani Tehsil. Today they r more than 1 Lakh. Most are Bangladeshi & Rohingya who were settled by PFI & so called secular parties. Now they r burning Haldwani. pic.twitter.com/TK0sYooQLj
— Baba Banaras™ (@RealBababanaras) February 8, 2024
Haldwani Legal Challenge and Ongoing Unrest
Despite a hearing in the Uttarakhand High Court on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking to halt the demolition, relief was not granted, and the demolition continued. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on February 14, as the city grapples with the aftermath of the violent clashes.
#WATCH | Haldwani violence | DM Nainital, Vandana Singh says, "…It is an empty property that has two structures, which is not registered as religious structure or has been given any such recognition. Some call the structure a Madrasa…" pic.twitter.com/wqFziPnGTn
— ANI (@ANI) February 9, 2024
#WATCH | Haldwani violence | DM Nainital, Vandana Singh says, "…After the HC's order action has been taken against encroachment at various places in Haldwani…Everyone was given notice and time for hearing…Some did approach the HC some were given time while some were not… pic.twitter.com/pO1K4BjN9C
— ANI (@ANI) February 9, 2024
