Haldwani Violence: Curfew Partially Lifted In Uttarakhand Town, Internet Remains Suspended

Uttarakhand News: Curfew has been lifted from the outer areas of violence-hit Haldwani, but it remains in force in the Banbhoolpura area, which witnessed arson and vandalism by a mob.

Haldwani: People walk past closed shops at market amid curfew at Banbhoolpura area over the demolition of an allegedly illegally-built madrasa on Thursday, in Haldwani, Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024.

Source : PTI

Curfew has been lifted from the outer areas of a violence-hit Uttarakhand town Haldwani, but it remains in force in the Banbhoolpura area, which witnessed arson and vandalism by a mob over the demolition of an illegally built madrasa on Thursday. The order, limiting the curfew area to Banbhoolpura, was issued by Nainital District Magistrate Vandana Singh, with restrictions eased on movement and commercial activities, as reported by news agency PTI.

A magisterial probe has been ordered into the incidents, with instructions to conclude it within a fortnight. Chief Secretary Radha Raturi issued the order, stating that Kumaon Commissioner Deepak Rawat would conduct the investigation and submit the report to the government within 15 days.

According to the order, "The curfew has now been limited to the entire Banbhoolpura area, which also includes the Army Cantonment (including workshop line)-Tikonia-Teenpani and the area within the peripheries of the Gaulapar bypass." Movement on the Nainital-Bareily motor road and commercial establishments is free from restrictions, with only hospitals and medical shops allowed to remain open in the areas under curfew, PTI's report stated.

Haldwani Violence: 5 Out Of 16 Accused Arrested, Internet Services Suspended

Patrolling continues in the affected areas, with Additional Director General (ADG) of Police, Law and Order, A P Anshuman, assuring that the situation is under control. "Five people involved in Thursday's violence have so far been arrested and three FIRs registered," said Anshuman, adding that "Sixteen people have been named as accused in the three FIRs, five of whom have been arrested."

To prevent the spread of rumours through social media platforms, internet services remain suspended. Residents of the Banbhoolpura area, where the curfew is still in force, are allowed to buy essentials intermittently. Train services up to Kathgodam have also resumed, with no fresh untoward incidents reported, as confirmed by the officer, the report stated.

Six rioters were killed in Thursday's violence, with more than 60 people injured as locals hurled stones and petrol bombs at municipal workers and police. Seven people, including a journalist, were under treatment on Friday at three different hospitals, three of whom were reported to be in a serious condition.

According to news agency ANI, Uttarakhand Chief Secretary Radha Raturi wrote to the Union Home Secretary demanding four additional companies of Paramilitary Forces be deployed in the Banbhoolpura of Nainital District to maintain law and order in the Malik ka Bagicha area.

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