Stone pelting and arson occurred in Haldwani Riots, Uttarakhand, on Thursday, 8th February. A Muslim mob attacked authorities who were demolishing a madrasa built on illegally encroached government land near the Banbhoolpura police station as part of an ongoing drive against illegal encroachments.
The violent mob’s actions resulted in several deaths and left over 100 police personnel injured. They surrounded the Banbhoolpura police station and set vehicles ablaze. Additionally, municipal corporation workers, including the SDM, were attacked. In response, the local administration imposed a curfew and issued shoot-at-sight orders in Haldwani to restore law and order.
The municipal corporation team arrived to demolish the illegal structure in Malik’s garden under the Banbhoolpura area. Notices were sent to the madrasa-mosque management, informing them of the illegal construction near the police station. However, the management failed to provide any documents proving the structure’s legality. The corporation had previously seized three acres of land near the site. Despite a plea challenging the notice heard by the Uttarakhand High Court, the demolition proceeded as planned.
Authorities maintain that the encroachment removal process has been legal and in compliance with court orders. Notices were served at multiple sites, allowing concerned parties ample opportunity to object or prove ownership.
This incident is not the first time Haldwani has faced protests and violence over government action against illegal encroachments. In January of the previous year, protests erupted over the removal of encroachments from land owned by the Indian Railways.
The Supreme Court has intervened in the matter, staying the removal of illegal encroachments and ordering the government to find a solution while ensuring full rehabilitation for eligible residents. However, despite the court’s directives, the issue remains unresolved, with approximately 4000 families still occupying railway land.
The menace of illegal encroachments extends beyond Haldwani, with rampant occurrences across Uttarakhand. The state government has taken steps to address this issue, demolishing illegal structures and reclaiming encroached land. Despite these efforts, challenges persist, particularly in forest areas.
In conclusion, the violence in Haldwani highlights the complex issue of illegal encroachments and the challenges authorities face in addressing them.
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