Police used tear gas when local residents threw stones and set vehicles on fire after a madrasa was demolished in Haldwani.
Tension rose in the Haldwani area of Nainital district on Thursday evening after authorities demolished a madrasa and an underground structure resembling a mosque, which were illegally built on government land in the Banbhulpura area.
Officials stated that a team from the Nainital district administration and local authorities demolished structures on government land, sparking anger among locals.
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Reports say what is going on immediately turned rough as maddened inhabitants tossed stones at the police and authorities, impeded streets with blockades, and set vehicles ablaze. Some officers and officials were injured by the stone-throwing.
A curfew has been imposed in the troubled Banbhulpura area, with all roads leading to it blocked off.
The state government has authorized law enforcement to use lethal force against troublemakers and to shoot rioters on sight.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami called an emergency meeting to address the escalating situation. Chief Secretary Radha Raturi, Director General of Police Uttarakhand Abhinav Kumar, and ADG (Law and Order) AP Anshuman attended the meeting.
Dhami stated that the administration’s actions were in response to a court order, as they initiated an anti-encroachment drive in the area.
“Some troublemakers there got into a confrontation with the Police. Several Police officers and administrative officials sustained injuries. Additional Police and Central Forces are being dispatched there. We’ve urged everyone to maintain peace. A curfew is in effect. Severe move will be initiated against agitators and encroachers who committed torching,” he told ANI.
SSP Prahlad Meena mentioned that the demolition of the madrasa occurred after prior notice was given to the residents. The demolition was conducted in the presence of Municipal Commissioner Pankaj Upadhyay, City Magistrate Richa Singh, and SDM Paritosh Verma, he added.
Abhinav Kumar, the stated, “Currently, the situation is stable. Numerous police officers and administrative officials sustained injuries and have been hospitalized. No fatalities have been reported so far. The atmosphere is tense but managed. In the following days, those responsible for the incident will be identified, and appropriate measures will be taken against them.”
#haldwani अवैध मदरसा और मस्जिद तोड़ने के दौरान हुआ बवाल....
— Himanshu Awasthi JSDL (@Him_Awasthi1) February 8, 2024
देखें वीडियो...#Uttrakhand #Haldwani pic.twitter.com/VBNs6r1Ubp
FaQ section
What triggered the violence in Haldwani, Uttarakhand?
- The demolition of an illegal madrasa and an underground mosque-like structure.
What actions did the police take when violence erupted?
- They utilized nerve gas to scatter the group
What led to tension in the Banbhulpura area?
- The destruction of unlawful designs on government land.
How did residents react to the demolition?
- They threw stones at the police, blocked roads, and set vehicles on fire.
What measures were taken by authorities in response to the violence?
- A curfew was imposed in the Banbhulpura area, and shoot-at-sight orders were issued.
Who attended the emergency meeting convened by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami?
- Chieff Secretary Radha Raturi, Chief General of Police Uttarakhand Abhinav Kumar, and ADG (The rule of law) AP Anshuman.
Why did Dhami state that the administration’s actions were taken?
- In response to a court order for an anti-encroachment drive.
What consequences did the violence have on police and officials?
- Several officers and officials sustained injuries from stone pelting.
What did SSP Prahlad Meena mention about the demolition?
- It was conducted after prior notice was given to residents.
How did Uttarakhand DGP Abhinav Kumar describe the current situation?
- Stable, with harmed staff hospitalized, no fatalities revealed, and plans to distinguish and make a move against those liable for the viciousness
