Shoot On Sight Order, Curfew In Uttarakhand's Haldwani After Madrasa Demolition Sparks Violence

Massive clashes broke out in Uttarakhand’s Haldwani on Thursday after an “illegal” madrasa was razed during an anti-encroachment drive, prompting authorities to impose curfew and deploy paramilitary force to control the situation.

Miscreants threw stones at police officers and set vehicles on fire, including a police car when the demolition of the madrasa, believed to have been illegally constructed near the Banbhulpura police station, was carried out by officials from Haldwani’s municipal corporation. At least 60 people were injured in the violence and have been hospitalised.

Police Headquarters spokesperson IG Nilesh Anand Bharne told ANI that four companies of paramilitary force have been sent to the violence-hit area of ​​Haldwani. The IG said that two companies of PAC from Udham Singh Nagar have reached Haldwani.

A furious mob pelted stones at the police administration and journalists, leaving several injured including SDM. A transformer was also set on fire, leading to a power outage in the area according to Aaj Tak.

The mob has also surrounded the Banbhulpura police station, leaving various journalists and administration officials trapped inside.

The state government has also issued orders authorising the security personnel to use lethal force against any unruly elements and ordered a shoot-on-sight order for rioters, reports the news agency, ANI.

SSP Prahlad Meena informed that the madrasa demolition took place after prior notice to the residents, adding that the drive was carried out in the presence of Municipal Commissioner Pankaj Upadhyay, City Magistrate Richa Singh, and SDM Paritosh Verma.

Uttarakhand CM Dhami Calls High-level Meeting

In view of the escalating situation, additional forces were called to Haldwani.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami convened a high-level emergency meeting with Chief Secretary Radha Raturi, Director General of Police Uttarakhand Abhinav Kumar, and ADG (Law and Order) AP Anshuman.

Dhami said that the administration’s action was in response to a court order. “Additional companies of Police and Central Forces are being sent there. We have appealed to everyone to maintain peace. Curfew is in place. Strict action will be taken against rioters and encroachers who committed arson.” he said.

Uttarakhand DGP Abhinav Kumar said “Around 4 pm today, a joint team of District Administration and Police was conducting an anti-encroachment drive in Banbhoolpura, Haldwani as per the Court’s order. Opposing that, a few anti-social elements pelted stones and caused arson.”

Kumar added that the state government asked the Ministry of Home Affairs to send additional forces and they have made 4 companies of additional central forces available to them.

“As of now, the situation is under control. As per the information available to me, several Police personnel and administration officials sustained injuries and have been admitted to hospitals. No casualties reported yet.” said Kumar.

The DGP further said that the people behind the incident will be identified and action will be taken against them.

(With inputs from ANI, inputs)