Two Killed, 250 Injured in Uttarakhand Violence, Curfew Imposed

Schools Closed as Unrest Grips Uttarakhand…

In Haldwani, Uttarakhand, two individuals lost their lives and 250 others sustained injuries amid extensive turmoil triggered by the demolition of an unauthorized madrasa and mosque.

The city has been placed under curfew, with orders to shoot on sight issued against rioters and internet services completely suspended.

Tensions escalated significantly when a group of government officials, escorted by police officers, endeavored to dismantle the structures in accordance with a court mandate.

The madrasa and mosque had been deemed illegal by the authorities, prompting their demolition. Nevertheless, this action was fiercely opposed by inhabitants of the Vanbhulpura locality in Haldwani.

More than 50 policemen were injured during the clash, along with several administration officials, municipal workers, and journalists who were also caught in the turmoil.

The group, labeled as "unruly elements," threw stones at the officials, prompting the police to use tear gas in retaliation. The violence intensified as vehicles outside the police station were set on fire.

The demolitions, conducted with a significant presence of police and Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) personnel, were aimed at reclaiming government land reportedly encroached upon by the madrasa and mosque.

Senior Superintendent of Police Prahlad Meena stated that the demolitions were carried out in compliance with a court order.

Following the bulldozing of the structures, angry residents, including women, flooded the streets in protest. Breaking through barricades, they clashed with the police, rapidly escalating the situation.

Subsequently, mobs began hurling stones at law enforcement officers, municipal workers, and journalists, causing injuries and property damage. Over 20 motorcycles and a security bus were set on fire amidst the chaos.

"Nainital District Magistrate Vandana Singh stated, 'Police did not provoke anyone. Despite that, they were attacked, a police station was vandalized, and the rioters tried to burn police personnel inside the station.'"

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami mentioned that a team had been sent to the area to execute the demolition following a court order. He emphasized that "anti-social elements" in the vicinity had clashed with the police. Additional police and central forces are being deployed to reinstate order. Mr. Dhami has urged the public to uphold peace.

Municipal Commissioner Pankaj Upadhyay asserted that the madrasa and prayer site were illegal, noting that the Haldwani civic body had previously confiscated three acres of adjacent land and sealed the structures.

In a meeting with senior officials, the Chief Minister deliberated on implementing prohibitory orders and the imperative for a shoot-at-sight policy against rioters to manage the escalating unrest.

As a precautionary step, a curfew has been enforced throughout Haldwani, prompting the closure of shops and schools in the affected zones.

The atmosphere remains tense, prompting the Chief Minister to urge officials to address "anarchic elements" firmly. Those injured are receiving treatment in hospitals, with many sustaining head and facial injuries.

The Uttarakhand High Court convened on Thursday to hear a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking to suspend the demolition. Despite this, the court did not grant any relief, allowing the demolition to proceed. The case is slated for further hearing on February 14.