On February 8, 2024, the tranquility of Haldwani, a city in Uttarakhand, was shattered. The epicenter of this disruption was the Banbhulpura area, where a madrasa and an underground mosque-like structure were demolished. These structures, allegedly built illegally on government land, were taken down by a joint force from the Nainital district administration and local civic authorities.
Outburst of Violence in Haldwani
The demolition in Haldwani, despite being carried out after notice to the residents, ignited a storm of protest among the locals. The peaceful cityscape was soon replaced by a scene of chaos and destruction, with residents and police clashing in the streets, hurling stones, and setting vehicles ablaze. The mob set several vehicles and the Banbhulpura Police Station on fire. In response to the escalating chaos, the state government authorized law enforcement to use lethal force, even permitting them to shoot rioters on sight.
Following the violent clashes, the district administration imposed a curfew in the volatile in Haldwani, Banbhulpura area, barricading all access points. The city, once bustling with activity, came to a standstill. Schools, colleges, shops, markets, and internet services were suspended, and residents were confined to their homes, allowed to venture out only in case of a medical emergency. The clashes resulted in over 100 police personnel being injured and subsequently admitted to a hospital on Thursday evening.
Government Response and Investigation
In response to the crisis, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami held a meeting with Chief Secretary Radha Raturi, Director General of Police Abhinav Kumar, and other senior officials. He appealed to the people to maintain peace and warned that any anti-social elements would face stringent action. The government also mandated strict action against the rioters.
The District Magistrate (DM) reported that the police responded by firing in the air. She added that three to four individuals who had sustained bullet injuries were brought dead to hospitals. Investigations are underway to determine whether the deceased were victims of police firing or if they were shot by others in the crowd. The DM further added that the violence seemed to be pre-planned and unprovoked, with stones being stored in homes beforehand. She also mentioned that the rioters used petrol bombs.
Maintaining Law and Order
Despite the turmoil, there are signs of improvement in the Banbhulpura area. The presence of paramilitary forces has brought some order to the chaos. However, the situation remains fluid, and the city is still on its journey towards returning to normalcy. To maintain law and order, paramilitary forces have been deployed in the area, with additional police force from neighboring districts also stationed in the city. Four companies of paramilitary forces and two companies of PAC have been deployed in the city.
Legal Proceedings and Public Reaction
The Uttarakhand High Court heard a PIL filed by Safia Malik and others from Malik colony, seeking to halt the demolition of the mosque. The petition challenged the notice issued by the Haldwani Municipal Corporation for the demolition. However, the vacation bench of Justice Pankaj Purohit did not grant any relief, and the demolition proceeded. The case is scheduled for further hearing on Feb 14.
The peaceful protest soon turned violent on Thursday evening, with hundreds of protesters and police personnel getting injured. Videos circulating on social media showed protesters setting vehicles on fire, pelting stones, and the police retaliating with tear gas. To control the escalating situation, the state issued “shoot at sight” orders and imposed a curfew.
The Haldwani protests serve as a stark reminder of the delicate balance within our diverse society. They underscore the importance of dialogue and understanding in resolving conflicts. As Haldwani navigates through these challenging times, the hope for peace and a swift return to normalcy remains strong.
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