Unravelling the Haldwani Turmoil: Understanding the Dynamics of Violence in Uttarakhand

Introduction:

In Haldwani, the situation remained tense on the 8th of February following riots involving members of a specific community that resulted in five deaths and numerous injuries. The Nainital district administration confirmed the death toll, and Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami visited Haldwani to assess the situation. Dhami inquired about the well-being of injured police personnel, government , municipal employees and media personnel who were harmed during the violence in the Vanbhulpura area on that evening.

The chief minister emphasized that all available video footage and evidence related to those who violated the law and damaged government property are being scrutinized. The process of identifying and taking legal action against the culprits involved in the riot is underway. Dhami convened a high-level meeting in Dehradun with senior state officials and police to address the situation, specifically focusing on restoring peace and order in the Vanbhulpura area of Haldwani.

Stringent measures against those responsible for the violence:

To ensure swift action and maintain order, Dhami instructed the director general of police (Law and Order) AP Anshuman to establish a camp in the affected area. Additionally, he directed authorities to take stringent measures against those responsible for the violence and attacks on government employees. Dhami appealed to the local community to uphold peace, emphasizing that no one would be allowed to disrupt law and order in the state. He urged administrative and police officials to remain vigilant and work towards maintaining peace in all circumstances.

Earlier, district magistrate Vandana Singh informed the media that five individuals lost their lives in the violence, which erupted when authorities began demolishing an illegally constructed Madarsa and Namaz site in Vanbhulpura. She mentioned that rioters attempted to set fire to police personnel inside the police station. Swift action was taken by authorities to defend against such violent actions, resulting in the situation being brought under control in Haldwani. However, internet services as well as road and rail services were affected in the area on 10th of February.

Background:

For more than ten years, the unauthorized migration of people from outside Uttarakhand has been a significant problem. Specifically, there are over 900,000 individuals of Bangladeshi descent living in Uttarakhand without legal permission. The government of Uttarakhand states that individuals from Bangladesh as well as Rohingyas from Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, have been relocating to Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh without proper authorization. These non-native migrants frequently occupy government-owned land where they build mosques, minarets, and madrasas without permission.

This trend of illegal immigration has previously led to tension within the state. In December 2022, the Supreme Court of India intervened to halt the removal of more than 4,000 illegal structures, which housed over 5,000 illegal immigrants on railway land in Haldwani station. The court's decision came after protests erupted in the state against the removal.

Riots, pelting stones and anarchy: Curfew enforced:

The DGP and police quoted that in Haldwani they were instructed by the High Court to demolish a mosque and madrasa built illegally on government land in the Malik ka Bagicha area within the jurisdiction of Banbhoolpura police. Despite efforts to halt the demolition through a petition, the court found insufficient evidence to prove the legality of the structures resulting in denial of any relief.

As the police initiated the removal process the enraged residents took to the streets to protest, resulting in clashes with law enforcement. The situation escalated as the crowd turned violent, throwing stones and setting fire to vehicles and even the Banbhoolpura Police Station. The Uttarakhand government requested additional Central Armed Police Forces to restore public order.

Authorities confirmed the violence was deliberately done with rioters attacking the police without provocation. A curfew was enforced in the city allowing officers to use armed forces if necessary. While the curfew was partially lifted in some areas but it remained in place in Banbhoolpura and adjacent localities with internet services suspended area-wise and schools closed. Eventually, as peace was restored then shops got reopened, and internet services were gradually restored.

Bjp spokesperson - Maintain peace, encroachments and illegal constructions are not acceptable:

Describing the recent Haldwani riot as regrettable, Mahendra Bhatt, the State president of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has urged everyone to prioritize peace. He emphasized that there would be no leniency towards individuals seeking to disrupt the harmony through illegal land encroachment and unauthorized construction. Bhatt emphasized the need for those supporting such unlawful activities to reconsider their stance for the betterment of the State.

Addressing the media a day after the chaos erupted in Haldwani, resulting in five fatalities and multiple injuries, Bhatt condemned the violence as unfortunate and attributed it to the actions of anti-social elements. He appealed to all citizens to uphold peace and collaborate in upholding the law and order. Highlighting ongoing efforts to address encroachments in the State as per court directives, the BJP State president affirmed the government's firm stance against those involved in such activities that destabilize the State's environment.

The situation in Vanbhulpura where personnel from the administration, police, and media were attacked is deeply concerning. The perpetrators and anyone who aided them directly or indirectly must face severe legal consequences. The people of Uttarakhand expect Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami's government to ensure justice is served and to deter any future occurrences of such violence.

Moreover, it's emphasized that the BJP has consistently opposed encroachments and illegal constructions, viewing them as a threat to the state's atmosphere and demographic composition. Opposition parties are accused of promoting such activities for electoral advantages leading to the unlawful settlement of outsiders in large numbers. However, the BJP remains committed to preserving Uttarakhand's cultural identity and reclaiming its lands from illegal occupants.

Recent events such as the riot in Haldwani, emphasise the dangers associated with unchecked encroachments which can destabilize law and order and disrupt the demographic balance. All political parties must rally behind the government's efforts to safeguard the state's interests.

Police on high alert after Haldwani incident:

The police heightened their vigilance statewide following the outbreak of violence in Haldwani. They increased security checks in border regions. In Dehradun, the senior superintendent of police, Ajai Singh, instructed all police station heads to ensure security measures and thorough checks in sensitive areas under their jurisdiction. Additionally, Singh personally visited these sensitive locations at night to issue necessary instructions to officials regarding security protocols. As per the superintendent's directives, police personnel stationed at the office were also instructed to remain on high alert at all times, equipped with sticks and helmets to effectively respond to any potential emergency situations.

Chief Secretary Message and appeal to restore peace:

Chief Secretary Radha Raturi arrived in Haldwani to assess the situation following riots in the Vanbhulpura area. She inspected the affected areas including the Vanbhulpura police station which had been targeted by rioters. Emphasizing the importance of maintaining law and order, she instructed officials to prioritize the safety and peace of the public. Additionally, she visited the Sushila Tiwari Hospital to meet with the injured and assess their condition.

During her visit, Raturi held a high-level meeting with key officials including the Deputy Inspector General of Police (Kumaon), the Nainital District Magistrate and the Senior Superintendent of Police, to review the situation. She assured the media that the situation was under control and harmony was being restored. Raturi also guaranteed strict action against the perpetrators and deployed teams to prevent similar incidents in other areas.

Praising the public to maintain peace, she urged them to disregard rumours and continue to cooperate with authorities. She highlighted that the Chief Minister was actively monitoring the situation. Notable officials present during the visit included the Managing Director General of Police Abhinav Kumar, Nainital District Magistrate Vandana, DIG Yogendra Rawat, SSP PN Meena and among others.

Tourist visits affected:

The unrest in Haldwani and the subsequent enforcement of a curfew had a direct impact on tourism in Nainital. With businesses' investment in weekend tourist arrivals, the violence and security measures led to a noticeable decline in visitor numbers. This drop was starkly evident as popular tourist sites in Nainital and surrounding areas remained empty. Even places like Pangot, Khurpatal, Sattal, Ramgarh, and Mukteshwar experienced a significant decrease in tourist activity.

Typically bustling locations like Snow View, the zoo, Cave Garden, Himalaya Darshan, and Hanumangarhi were disturbingly quiet throughout the day. Only a handful of tourists engaged in activities such as boating on Naini Lake while the usually busy Mall Road saw sparse traffic. The hospitality industry, anticipating a surge in visitors found itself grappling with the aftermath of the violence as many tourists likely reconsidered their plans to visit Nainital due to safety concerns and imposed restrictions.

Despite Nainital itself being unaffected by the unrest in Haldwani, the overall atmosphere of uncertainty led to a cautious approach among tourists. Additionally, heightened police presence particularly near sensitive areas like the local mosque, contributed to a sense of unease. This scenario emphasizes the complex relationship between security, public perception, and tourism where even isolated incidents can have far-reaching consequences on a destination's visitor numbers and economic vitality.

Investigations, FIRs and confiscation of locally manufactured weapons:

By February 13th, authorities had apprehended thirty-six individuals and filed three First Information Reports (FIRs) against a group comprising 19 identified individuals and an additional 5,000 unidentified persons. The arrests were facilitated by CCTV footage obtained from the site of the violence. Furthermore, the police reported confiscating a significant number of locally manufactured weapons and ammunition from the detained individuals.

Moreover, following a directive from the Nainital district administration to revoke 120 firearms licenses belonging to residents in the impacted locality, authorities seized 41 licensed weapons as part of this measure.

The situation in Haldwani still needs to improve and is not normal:

According to officials, six individuals involved in rioting died during the unrest triggered by the demolition of an illegally constructed madrasa in Haldwani, Uttarakhand. As a result, a curfew remained in effect in the town. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami visited the area to meet with some of the injured individuals. He characterized the violence as a planned assault, citing the presence of weapons such as arms, stones, and petrol bombs. By 14th of February over 60 people were injured as locals attacked municipal workers and police officers, prompting many officers to seek shelter in a police station that was subsequently set on fire by the mob.

Seven individuals including a journalist were receiving medical treatment at three different hospitals with three reported to be in serious condition. The rest had already been discharged. Superintendent of Police (City) Harbans Singh confirmed that a total of six rioters had been killed during the disturbances.

Uttarakhand's Director General of Police, Abhinav Kumar, announced that those responsible for attacking police officers and engaging in unlawful activities and destruction in Haldwani would face severe consequences under the National Security Act. The aftermath of the violence was evident in Haldwani's Banbhoolpura area, which remained deserted.

25 more culprits were found and confirmed help of funding:

The Uttarakhand Police detained an additional 25 individuals following an attack of violence resulting in five fatalities and numerous injuries in Haldwani. This unrest stemmed from the demolition of a 'madrasa and masjid' during an anti-encroachment operation. Notably, all those apprehended belonged to the Muslim community. The state authorities have petitioned the central government to dispatch extra security forces to Haldwani to restore and maintain public order.

During the arrests, law enforcement seized seven homemade pistols and 54 live rounds from the suspects along with ammunition believed to have been robbed by the police including some possibly taken from a targeted police station. Haldwani's Senior Superintendent of Police, Prahlad Narayan Meena revealed that a police weapon was missing from a torched police vehicle at the demolition site. Mr. Meena stated that among the 25 arrested individuals, a total of 67 live bullets of 7.62 mm bore and 32 live bullets of 9 mm bore were confiscated. In total, 30 people have been detained in connection with the violence.

Urgent need for additional central paramilitary forces in Haldwani:

In communication with the Union government, Uttarakhand Chief Secretary Radha Raturi emphasized the urgent need for additional central paramilitary forces in Haldwani following the disturbance triggered by the structure's demolition at Malik ka Bagicha on February 8. Although the curfew was lifted in the district and markets reopened carefully, yet the Banbhoolpura area remained isolated serving as the focal point of the unrest. Witnessing this situation, several individuals in nearby areas were observed leaving with their belongings.

Despite the impression of normalcy returning to most parts of the town, the family of 24-year-old Prakash Singh, one of the deceased victims, survived with the heart-wrenching loss. Prakash, the bread-earner for his family of six , had migrated from Bihar to Haldwani in search of employment but tragically succumbed to the violence shortly after arriving. His mother remains unconscious since being informed of his demise. His brother-in-law expressed concerns over their financial future highlighting the challenges of supporting two unmarried daughters, a teenage son and elderly parents.

Authorities recovered some personal belongings of the deceased including a chain and cash, which were handed over to the family. Additionally, local officials assured financial assistance. However, questions remained about how adequate financial aid would address the family's long-term needs, including marriage expenses, education costs, and medical bills for the elderly parents.

Authorities arrested the “mastermind” behind the recent violence in Haldwani:

Abdul Malik was arrested by the Uttarakhand police for allegedly arranging the violence that erupted in Haldwani's Banbhoolpura area following the demolition of a Mosque and Madrasa by the district administration. This demolition was part of an anti-encroachment drive. The violence resulted in five fatalities and over 100 injuries. It's reported that Malik had illegally occupied 'Nazool' land, which he was unlawfully selling to others. The violence was believed to be a intentional attempt to challenge the authority of the state. The Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Prahlad Narayan Meena, stated that a total of 82 individuals, including Malik, have been apprehended in connection with the violence.

The Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) mentioned that the accused individuals have been charged with several offences including criminal conspiracy, cheating, rioting, and criminal intimidation. Additionally, Director General of Police Abhinav Kumar has announced a cash reward of ₹50,000 for the police team responsible for apprehending Mr. Malik. The Uttarakhand Police has seized the properties belonging to Mr. Malik and his son. This action was taken after Mr. Malik failed to pay ₹2.44 crore to the municipal body of Haldwani. The municipality issued a recovery notice to Mr. Malik on February 13 for the damages caused to both administrative and public vehicles during the violence. Meanwhile, the Haldwani police are investigating the involvement of a Hyderabad-based NGO called 'Youth Courage' in the violence. According to a notice issued by the police, the founder of the NGO, Salman Khan, allegedly distributed money to locals in Bhoolanpura and shared misleading information about the violence on social media in support of the rioters.

The police notice states that the NGO's financial information and tax details have been forwarded to the Income Tax department. It further mentions that the NGO's registration has been revoked and its bank account has been seized. The authorities are now identifying individuals who contributed to this NGO.

The notice follows the circulation of a video where Mr. Khan is seen distributing cash to Muslim families affected by violence in Banbhoolpura. The footage, widely shared on social media, depicts Mr. Khan and his associate providing bundles of ₹100 notes to women and young men from a bag of cash. The NGO shared these videos on its social media platforms with the caption, "The poor and helpless Muslims of Haldwani need all of us."

Moreover, the NGO included QR codes in the video links urging people to donate money to aid the victims in Haldwani. The violent clashes in Banbhoopura on February 8 resulted in five fatalities and left 100 individuals injured. The clashes erupted when district administration officials attempted to demolish an alleged 'illegal madrasa' in the area. Subsequently, rioters surrounded the police station, attacked officials, and set vehicles and public property on fire, leading to shoot-at-sight orders and the imposition of a curfew in the town for over 12 days.

Conclusion:

Violence has no place in religious destinations as they are intended to be sanctuaries of peace, reflection, and spiritual solace. These sites hold immense cultural and religious significance for millions around the world, serving as places of worship, pilgrimage, and communal gatherings. They embody the values of tolerance, harmony, and mutual respect, regardless of religious affiliation. Any act of violence perpetrated within these sacred spaces not only insults their sanctity but also undermines the very essence of religious teachings that promote love, compassion, and understanding. Such incidents not only disrupt the lives of worshippers but also tarnish the reputation of the faith community and breed fear and distrust among believers and society at large. Therefore, it is imperative to uphold the sacredness of religious destinations as places of non-violence, where people of all backgrounds can come together in peace to seek spiritual nourishment and unity. Efforts must be made to foster dialogue, promote interfaith understanding, and address grievances through peaceful means, ensuring that these holy sites remain beacons of tranquillity and sources of spiritual enlightenment for generations to come.

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