Haldwani Communal Violence: State Imposes Curfew, Authorizes Shoot-at-Sight

_{Photo: (PTI)}

Communal tension erupted in the Haldwani area of Nainital district, triggered by violence in Banbhoolpura following the demolition of an "illegally built" madrasa. The district magistrate, Vandana Singh, responded by imposing a curfew in Banbhoolpura and issuing a 'shoot-at-sight' order against rioters. The death toll, initially reported as three to four, was later revised to two, with over 100 injuries, primarily among police personnel involved in the madrasa demolition.

The unrest led to residents setting vehicles on fire and hurling stones, resulting in injuries and escalating the situation. Vandana Singh explained that the curfew and the suspension of internet services in Haldwani aimed to restore law and order. Additionally, a directive to keep schools closed in the area was issued.

Key Updates on Haldwani Communal Violence:

1. Curfew Imposition: Curfew measures were implemented in response to violent incidents, including the burning of vehicles and stone-throwing by residents. The turmoil arose due to the contentious demolition of the madrasa.

2. Injuries and Demolition Background: More than 100 individuals, primarily police personnel and municipal workers involved in the madrasa demolition, sustained injuries during the clashes. The madrasa, constructed illegally on government land, had received a prior notice.

3. Police Response: Senior Superintendent of Police Prahlad Meena reported that the police had served a notice regarding the illegal construction on government land. Vandana Singh highlighted that during the violence, unidentified individuals fired, prompting the police to respond by firing in the air.

4. Violence Escalation: Vandana Singh described the rioters' attempt to torch the Banbhoolpura police station. The police force successfully prevented their entry, and the violence later spread to the Gandhi Nagar area.

5. Pre-Planned Violence: The district magistrate asserted that the violence appeared pre-planned and unprovoked. Rioters were reportedly equipped with stored stones and even utilized petrol bombs during the clashes.

6. Situation Control and Security Measures: Vandana Singh reassured that the situation was now under control, with violence contained in Banbhoolpura and prevented from spreading to the main city. Paramilitary forces were deployed, with additional police forces from neighboring districts reinforcing security.

7. Chief Minister's Response: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami convened a meeting in Dehradun with senior officials to address the escalating situation. The demolition had been conducted in the presence of municipal authorities and city magistrates.

The detailed account underscores the complexity of the situation, involving clashes, premeditated violence, and security measures to restore calm in Haldwani. Authorities are actively working to maintain law and order while investigating the underlying causes of the unrest.

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