The city of Haldwani in Uttarakhand witnessed a tragic and violent incident following the demolition of an illegal madrasa and mosque, resulting in two deaths, 250 injuries, and widespread unrest. The confrontation arose when government officials, accompanied by police, sought to demolish the structures, which had been declared illegal by the administration.
This action was met with fierce resistance from the residents, leading to a violent clash and causing injuries to numerous individuals, including policemen, administration officials, and journalists.
The demolitions, carried out with a heavy police and Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) presence, were aimed at reclaiming government land that was allegedly encroached upon by the madrasa and mosque. Despite the court order to proceed with the demolitions, the situation quickly escalated, with the mob resorting to violence, including stone-throwing, arson, and vandalism.
The Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Pushkar Singh Dhami, has emphasized that the confrontations were instigated by “anti-social elements” and has dispatched additional police and central forces to restore order. As a precautionary measure, a curfew has been imposed in Haldwani, with shoot-at-sight orders issued against rioters and the suspension of internet services.
The injured are receiving medical treatment, and the situation remains tense as the authorities work to quell the unrest and maintain peace in the affected areas. The matter is scheduled for further hearing in the Uttarakhand High Court on February 14, following a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking to halt the demolition.
The incident has prompted a significant response from the local administration, law enforcement, and government officials, who are working to address the aftermath of the violence and ensure the safety and security of the residents in Haldwani.
- Confrontation Over Demolition
- Escalation of Violence
- Government Response and Court Hearing
Tragic events that unfolded in Haldwani, Uttarakhand, following the demolition of an illegal madrasa and mosque. The incident resulted in two fatalities, 250 injuries, and widespread unrest, prompting a significant response from the authorities to restore order and address the aftermath of the violence.
- Confrontation Over Demolition:
- Government officials and police attempted to raze the illegal structures, leading to fierce resistance from residents and a violent clash.
- The demolitions, carried out with heavy police presence, aimed to reclaim government land allegedly encroached upon by the madrasa and mosque.
- Escalation of Violence:
- The confrontations resulted in injuries to over 50 policemen, administration officials, municipal workers, and journalists.
- The situation quickly escalated, with the mob resorting to violence, including stone-throwing, arson, and vandalism.
- Government Response and Court Hearing:
- The Chief Minister emphasized that the confrontations were instigated by “anti-social elements” and dispatched additional forces to restore order.
- A curfew has been imposed, and shoot-at-sight orders issued against rioters as a precautionary measure.
- The matter is scheduled for further hearing in the Uttarakhand High Court following a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking to halt the demolition.
The incident has sparked significant concern and efforts to address the aftermath of the violence, with the authorities working to ensure the safety and security of the residents in Haldwani.
