Haldwani Violence: Police Station To Be Set Up At Land Freed From Encroachment, Says CM Dhami 

Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami said a police station would be constructed on the land freed from encroachment in Haldwani's Banbhoolpura

Police personnel check documents of commuters during a curfew at Banbhoolpura area, following incidents of violence after the demolition of an 'illegally built' madrasa, in Haldwani, Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024.

Source : PTI

New Delhi: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Monday said a police station would be constructed on the land freed from encroachment in Haldwani's Banbhoolpura, where violence was sparked by the demolition of an illegally constructed madrasa. The CM, who was in Haldwani to participate in the Nari Shakti Mahotsav, condemned the violence and assured steps to ensure law and order while addressing the situation.

CM Dhami expressed grave concern over the incidents, particularly condemning the attacks on police personnel and journalists by unruly elements during the turmoil, reported news agency PTI. Uttarakhand CM reiterated the government's steadfast commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice for all.

He emphasised that acts of violence would not be tolerated, and law enforcement agencies are diligently working to apprehend those responsible for instigating and participating in the unrest. Assuring the public that the legal process is underway, the CM asserted that the perpetrators of the violence would be swiftly brought to justice, as per PTI.

"I announce from the holy banks of Mother Ganga that a police station will be built at that place", PTI quoted CM Dhami as saying.

Additional Forces Deployed In Banbhoolpura 

Additional paramilitary forces were deployed Monday in the town's Banbhoolpura area, officials said, as reported by PTI. Nainital District Magistrate Vandana Singh confirmed the cancellation of 120 arms licenses in Banbhoolpura, emphasising the administration's determination to track down individuals involved in the violence, reported PTI. "Every effort is being made to maintain peace in Haldwani", Singh said. She affirmed that the situation across all areas, including Banbhoolpura, is now stabilised and well under control. 

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Prahlad Meena highlighted the reinforcement of central paramilitary forces at critical locations within Banbhoolpura, aimed at ensuring enhanced security measures. He said essential commodities are being supplied to the residents of the curfew-hit area and more facilities will also be provided to them soon.

The curfew imposed in Haldwani has been lifted, except for the Banbhoolpura area. This has allowed for the gradual resumption of essential services, with buses, trains, schools. Additionally, efforts are underway to ensure the distribution of gas cylinders and facilitate the provision of other essential items to residents, as per PTI

The violence, which erupted on February 8 during the demolition of the unauthorised madrasa and a structure used for religious gatherings, resulted in six fatalities and left 60 individuals injured, and a police station was set on fire.