Haldwani Violence: Demolition Order, Razing Of Mosque — How Clashes Erupted In Uttarakhand

Stones were pelted and several vehicles were set on fire following the demolition of the mosque.

Charred remains of vehicles lie on a road after local residents on Thursday set vehicles and a police station on fire and hurled stones, injuring more than 60 people. ( Image Source :PTI )

Haldwani Violence: Tension erupted in Uttarakhand’s Banbhoolpura area in Haldwani district due to the riots that broke out after the administration carried out a demolition drive where a mosque stood, allegedly on Nazool land. Stones were pelted and several vehicles were set on fire following the demolition of the mosque.

At least four people were killed and more than 100 officials sustained injuries in the violence. Journalists who were on the site were also wounded. In view of the violence in the area, internet services were suspended in the city and a curfew was imposed to maintain the law and order situation.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami held a meeting with the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police. According to officials, people are only allowed to move out of their houses in case of medical emergencies.

CM Dhami issued shoot-at-sight orders in Haldwani. The Chief Minister announced that all schools would remain closed in Haldwani on Friday.

How Did Riots Began In Haldwani

A brawl over the mosque in the Banbhoolpura area turned into a riot when a team of the district administration tried to raze the buildings following a court order. The move saw a fierce resistance from a mob from the Muslim community.  Miscreants pelted stones and set a few vehicles on fire in the area. Curfew has been imposed in Haldwani to maintain law and order situation, while internet services have also been suspended in the city. 

Nainital District Magistrate Vandana Singh on Friday stated that the violence was “pre-planned, unprovoked” and stones were stored beforehand at homes, ANI reported. The rioters even used petrol bombs, claim some reports. According to the area DM, the situation is now under control.  Dhami has asked police to deal strictly with unruly elements. He also appealed to the people to maintain peace. 

Nainital DM Orders Complete Closure In Area

An order was issued by Nainital District Magistrate Vandana to impose a complete closure in the entire area of Haldwani city.

“It has been informed by SSP, Nainital and City Magistrate, Haldwani that during the process of removal of encroachment and demolition from the pre-marked site of Banbhoolpura area, there have been incidents of protest, stone pelting and arson by a particular community. Due to this, there is a threat to law and order in the area as well as a fear of damage or danger to human life and public property… Hence, in my opinion, it has become necessary to prevent the threat posed to the safety of public life and public property,” the order stated, as quoted by Indian Express.