Nainital, February 11: Violent clashes broke out between protesters and security forces on February 8, in Nainital district’s Banbhulpura area, leading to at least 5 deaths and injuries to 60 people. The violence erupted during an anti-encroachment drive conducted by district authorities to demolish a madrasa (Islamic seminary) and an adjoining mosque constructed illegally on contentious nazool government land.
What is Nazool Land?
Nazool land refers to land owned by the government but often not directly administered as state property. The state generally allots nazool land to entities on lease for 15-99 years. When lease terms expire, one can approach authorities to renew the lease via a written application. The government can choose to renew the lease or reclaim nazool land as it deems fit. Across India’s major cities, nazool land has been allotted for various purposes.
Origins of Nazool Land
Most nazool land traces its origins to India’s colonial era. During British rule, kings and kingdoms opposing the British frequently revolted, sparking battles between royal troops and the British military. Upon defeating these kings, the British would often confiscate their land, which came under nazool land category after Independence when the British vacated it. With erstwhile royals often lacking paperwork to establish ownership, such lands were designated as nazool lands owned by state governments.
Land Ownership Dispute Triggers Banbhulpura Clashes
As per Nainital district authorities, the madrasa and mosque demolished during the clashes were constructed on nagar nigam (municipal council) nazool land earmarked for public amenities. Locals had previously complained about the unauthorized construction on the disputed land parcel.
However, the cleric overseeing the demolished structures disputed the administration’s nazool claim. He insists the land was allotted to the madrasa legally decades ago during previous state governments. With both sides at an impasse over land records and allotment history, communal tensions simmered before boiling over into the recent violence.
Timeline of Violent Eruptions During Demolition Drive
8 AM: District authorities, including police and paramilitary reinforcements, arrive to execute demolition orders for the illegally constructed madrasa and mosque built on encroached nazool land.
9 AM: Protesters start gathering at the disputed site as authorities restrict access to area for demolition preparations. Locals allege forced evacuation from homes and shops near encroachment site.
10 AM: Demolition squad begins razing down structures amid heavy police cover. Protesters swell to over 300; raise slogans, pelt stones at authorities.
11 AM: Police lob tear gas shells and conduct baton charge to control intensifying protests during ongoing demolition. At least 10 injured at this stage.
12 PM: Violence peaks as mob of 2000-3000 engulfs area. Rioters torch vehicles, vandalize public property and clash violently with security personnel. Administration appeals for reinforcements.
3 PM: Additional paramilitary troops deployed to bring situation under control after 5 hours of intense clashes and rioting. Curfew imposed in affected areas. Death toll climbs to 5 amid over 60 injured.
Aftermath of Deadly Communal Riots
With curfew still imposed in sensitive pockets four days after the riots, Nainital remains tense as authorities fear lingering unrest despite heavy security presence across the district.
The Uttarakhand state government has ordered a probe into the communal flare-up triggered by the razing down of disputed religious structures on alleged nazool land.
Political parties have slammed the administration for failing to prevent the eruption of religious passions during the anti-encroachment drive.
The opposition has demanded a judicial investigation monitored by high court into the riots.
Government officials maintain they were simply reclaiming illegally occupied public land as per protocol.
With Nainital gearing up for state polls next year, opposition parties have also accused the ruling BJP of selectively targeting minority institutions in Banbhulpura to polarize voters along religious lines for potential electoral gains.
However, BJP leaders have dismissed these allegations as baseless politicking in wake of a tragedy.
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