In Haldwani, a city in the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand, has been wracked by violence following a government-led demolition drive targeting an unauthorised madrasa and mosque. The clashes, which officials claim were premeditated, resulted in the deaths of at least two individuals, with over 100 people, predominantly police officers, sustaining injuries. The unrest has prompted the imposition of a curfew, alongside a shutdown of internet services and educational institutions in the Nainital district to quell the disturbances.
The violence erupted after authorities attempted to demolish what they deemed an illegally constructed religious structure in the Banbhoolpura area, igniting fierce protests from the local community. The protestors resorted to setting ablaze vehicles and even a police station, leading to an escalation that saw the district administration issuing a shoot-on-sight order for rioters in a desperate bid to restore order.
Police officers stand near burnt vehicles following protests in Haldwani in the northern state of Uttarakhand, India (Reuters)
Nainital’s District Magistrate, Vandana Singh, in a bid to clarify the situation, stated that the law enforcement’s actions were not intended to provoke or harm anyone. The demolitions were conducted under the watchful eye of a substantial police and Provincial Armed Constabulary presence, adhering to a court directive. Despite these assurances, the situation quickly spiraled, with residents taking to the streets in large numbers to voice their opposition.
In response to the crisis, Uttarakhand’s Chief Minister, Pushkar Singh Dhami, convened an urgent meeting with top officials to assess the situation, calling for calm and a stern response to the anarchic elements responsible for the chaos. Authorities are now focused on restoring normalcy within 24 hours, identifying, and taking action against all individuals involved in instigating the violence.
