Over 100 Cops & 150 Others Injured In Clashes After Mosque Madrasa Demolition In Haldwani
New Delhi, February 9, 2024- In a harrowing incident that unfolded on February 8, the city of Haldwani in Uttarakhand witnessed the demolition of 'Malik ke Bagiche' ka Madarsa & Mosque Bulldozerised By Local Authorities, resulting in a violence loss of six lives. Municipal authorities, armed with bulldozers, carried out the demolition at approximately 3:30 pm, sparking chaos and violence in the community.
Refusal to Show Demolition Order Documents
Locals present at the scene reported that the officials responsible for the demolition refused to provide any documentation supporting their actions. The lack of transparency added fuel to the already tense situation, as residents expressed dismay at the destruction of their sacred worship place without any prior notice or communication.
Injuries and Unjust Force
Witnesses informed media that the situation escalated when police officers resorted to using force. Male police officers reportedly beat women with lathis, and at least four men killed from gunshots. The use of disproportionate force further intensified the anguish of the community.
Desperation to Save Religious Books
Amidst the chaos, it was revealed that authorities allowed only two individuals to retrieve religious books before the Madarsa's demolition. Despite pleas from the community and requests to see the demolition order, officials proceeded forcefully, disregarding the emotional and religious sentiments of the residents.
Land Dispute and Supreme Court Involvement
The Madarsa, situated in the railway colony area housing over 4,000 families, became a focal point due to the Centre's interest in the land for railway expansion. The matter is currently under scrutiny in the Supreme Court. The clash between the community and authorities underscores the complexities arising from competing interests over land use.
Shoot-at-Sight Orders Heighten Tensions
In response to the turmoil, reports surfaced that shoot-at-sight orders were issued in the area, leading to increased security measures. District Magistrate Nainital imposed a curfew in Banbhoolpura and authorized shoot-on-sight orders for rioters, aiming to restore order but potentially escalating tensions in the process.
Statements
According to AP Anshuman, State ADG Law & Order, at least four people were killed and over 100 policemen sustained injuries during the unrest that ensued in the aftermath of the demolition. The situation escalated and authorities imposed a curfew and deployed paramilitary forces in the area.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami convened a meeting of senior officials, leading to the imposition of a curfew across Haldwani. Dhami urged calm and directed officials to handle “anarchic elements” firmly.
According to police, the violent outburst saw miscreants pelting stones at police officers and setting vehicles ablaze, including a police car, as municipal corporation officials carried out the demolition near the Banbhoolpura police station.
District Magistrate Vandana Singh said that the action against encroachments was not “an isolated activity and it was not targeted at a particular asset” and was conducted in compliance with the High Court’s order. She mentioned that while some were given time to address the issue, others faced immediate demolition drives by Public Works Department (PWD) and Municipal Corporation officials.
“Some did approach the HC and of them, some were given time, while others weren’t,” she said.
Acording to media reports: Six men Jaani and his son Anas, Haris, Fahim, Israar, Siwan. including a 16 year-old minor boy killed in Haldwani, Uttrakhand.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of this tragic event, questions loom regarding the justifiability of the force used and the broader implications of the land dispute. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for transparent communication and compassionate handling of sensitive issues to prevent such heartbreaking outcomes.
