Haldwani Violence: After encroachment removal in the Banbhoolpura area of Uttarakhand's Haldwani city on February 8, the administration and police team faced stone pelting and arson, resulting in heavy damage to municipal and government property.
After assessing the situation, the municipal corporation has issued a recovery notice to the main accused Abdul Malik for compensation of damages.
The municipal corporation has instructed the accused to pay the compensation amount of 2.45 crore rupees by February 15. A warning of legal action has been given for non-compliance with the deadline.
In the Banbhoolpura district of Haldwani, four days after the violence, Muslim families have begun to flee to safe areas outside the district.
Over 500 families have left the city, with many seen walking on the roads with their belongings. A curfew is currently in place in the area, leading to a halt in vehicular movement.
After the violence following the demolition campaign carried out by the administration on the alleged illegal mosque and madrasa in Banbhoolpura, a search operation was conducted in the area.
In the case, the police have so far arrested 30 people, and several others are still under the radar.
The Uttarakhand Police have recovered many weapons from the possession of the arrested individuals.
While the administration has relaxed the curfew in several parts of Haldwani, the Banbhoolpura area of the district is still under strict curfew.
People have been instructed to stay indoors. A warning of action has been issued against those violating the law. Except for the areas still under curfew, internet services have been restored in many parts of Haldwani.
Due to the tense situation, Muslim families are leaving their homes, but the administration has sealed all entry and exit points of Banbhoolpura.
Neither people are allowed to leave nor can anyone enter the area. Sources indicated that the decision to seal the area was taken by the police as investigators believed that rioters involved in large-scale violence could escape.
A delegation of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind visited Haldwani recently and held a meeting with the SDM, where they also discussed with the administration.
The meeting lasted for more than an hour. After the meeting with the SDM, the General Secretary of Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind, Abdul Razik, stated that the administration hastily took the decision to demolish the mosque, which escalated tensions in the area.
The organization's General Secretary said, "We have come here to appeal for peace in the region. We have requested the SDM to ensure that action is not taken against innocent people. This happened because the demolition campaign was initiated suddenly. The administration should have awaited court orders."
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has announced that a police station will be constructed at the same location where the mosque and madrasa were demolished.
