The situation escalated when residents of the area allegedly pelted stones at an anti-encroachment team from the Haldwani municipal corporation as they arrived to demolish an ‘illegal’ madrassa and mosque in Malik ka Bagicha.District authorities claimed that over a dozen policemen and municipal corporation staff were injured during the incident in which several vehicles were also set on fire. DGP Abhinav said that police teams were also fired upon.
Haldwani Violence: Harish Rawat on Haldwani Riots | ‘I am embarrassed today…’ | Uttarakhand
As per officials, the anti-encroachment team, led by municipal commissioner Pankaj Upadhyay, city magistrate Richa Singh, and SDM Paritosh Verma, had reached with a JCB to demolish the ‘unauthorised’ structures.
The angry crowd hurled stones at them and many people, including the SDM, were reportedly injured. The JCB’s glass was also shattered. However, demolition work continued despite the incident.
Haldwani violence: Uttarakhand CM Dhami appeals for peace as tension grips Haldwani
Following the unrest in the area, chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami convened an emergency meeting with chief secretary Radha Raturi, DGP Abhivav Kumar, and ADG law and order AP Anshuman late on Thursday evening.
Subsequently, Nainital district magistrate, Vandana, issued an order imposing curfew in “entire Haldwani city from 9pm till further orders.” People have been advised not to venture out, except in case of medical emergencies, and all establishments, except hospitals and medical stores, have been asked to remain closed.
‘Shoot-At-Sight’ orders after violence over madrassa & mosque demolition in Uttarakhand’s Haldwani