Four individuals lost their lives, and 250 others were injured in widespread violence in Uttarakhand’s Haldwani following the demolition of an illegal madrasa and an adjoining mosque on Thursday. The city is now under curfew, with stringent shoot-at-sight orders issued against rioters, and internet services have been completely shut down.
The confrontation reached a critical juncture when a team of government officials, accompanied by the police, sought to demolish the structures following a court order. The madrasa and mosque had been deemed illegal by the administration, leading to their court-mandated demolition. However, this move was met with fierce resistance from residents in the Vanbhulpura area of Haldwani.
The clash resulted in injuries to over 50 policemen, with several administration officials, municipal workers, and journalists caught in the crossfire. Described as “unruly elements,” the large group threw stones at officials, prompting the police to respond with tear gas. Violence escalated as vehicles outside the police station were set ablaze. The demolitions, conducted with a heavy police and Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) presence, aimed to clear government land allegedly encroached upon by the madrasa and the mosque. Senior Superintendent of Police Prahlad Meena confirmed that the demolitions were in compliance with a court order.
As the structures were razed by a bulldozer, enraged residents, including women, took to the streets in protest. Breaking barricades and clashing with the police, the situation rapidly deteriorated. Mobs threw stones at law enforcement, municipal workers, and journalists, causing injuries and property damage. Over 20 motorcycles and a security bus were set ablaze.
Nainital District Magistrate Vandana Singh emphasized that the police did not provoke anyone but were attacked nonetheless. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami stated that a team was dispatched to carry out the demolition after a court order and highlighted clashes with “anti-social elements” in the area. Additional police and central forces are being deployed to restore order, with the Chief Minister appealing to the public to maintain peace.
Municipal Commissioner Pankaj Upadhyay asserted that the madrasa and namaz site were illegal, citing the previous seizure of three acres of nearby land and the sealing of the structures by the Haldwani civic body. In a meeting with senior officials, the Chief Minister discussed prohibitory orders and the necessity for a shoot-at-sight policy against rioters to control escalating unrest.
As a precautionary measure, a curfew has been imposed across Haldwani, with shops and schools closed in affected areas. The situation remains tense, prompting the Chief Minister to urge officials to deal sternly with “anarchic elements.” Those injured are receiving treatment in hospitals, with many suffering head and face injuries. Despite a Thursday hearing on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking to halt the demolition at the Uttarakhand High Court, relief was not granted, and the demolition is set to continue, with the matter scheduled for further hearing on February 14.
