Uttarakhand News: A tense situation unfolded in the picturesque town of Haldwani, Uttarakhand, as violence erupted over the demolition of an illegal madrasa and an adjoining mosque. The clash left four people dead and over 250 injured. Let’s delve into the details of this unfortunate incident.
The Trigger: Demolition of Illegal Structures
The confrontation reached a boiling point when a team of government officials, accompanied by policemen, descended upon the Vanbhulpura area of Haldwani. Their mission? To raze the structures—an illegal madrasa and an adjoining mosque—following a court order. The administration had declared these buildings unlawful, leading to their demolition. However, the residents were not about to let it happen quietly.
The Violent Outburst
As the bulldozer swung into action, enraged residents poured onto the streets. Women, too, joined the fray, their voices echoing defiance. Barricades crumbled, and clashes erupted with the police. The situation escalated rapidly, and the air crackled with tension.
Stones, Tear Gas, and Flames
The large group of protesters, described as “unruly elements,” hurled stones at the officials. In response, the police fired tear gas to quell the unrest. But the violence didn’t stop there. Vehicles parked outside the police station became targets, set ablaze by the angry mob.
Injuries and Chaos
Over 50 policemen bore the brunt of the clash, sustaining injuries. Administration officials, municipal workers, and journalists found themselves caught in the crossfire. The chaos unfolded with alarming speed, leaving the town reeling.
Government Land and Court Orders
The demolitions were carried out with heavy police and Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) presence. Their goal? To reclaim government land allegedly encroached upon by the madrasa and the mosque. Senior Superintendent of Police Prahlad Meena emphasized that these actions were in compliance with a court order.
State of Emergency
In the state capital, Dehradun, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami convened a high-level meeting. Curfew blanketed Haldwani, and shoot-at-sight orders were issued against rioters. The chief minister urged calm and sternly warned against “anarchic elements.”
Impact on the Community
Most of those hospitalized were police personnel, injured during the violent clashes. The remaining casualties included municipal workers and the Haldwani Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM). Schools shut their doors, and shops closed as tension gripped the town.
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