Nainital, Feb 9: Following an anti-encroachment sweep on Thursday, violence broke out in Banbhoolpura, Haldwani, Uttarakhand. As a result, security has been increased in the area plagued by violence. Nainital District Magistrate Vandana Singh expressed profound concern about the Haldwani violent event, calling it regrettable and promising that the perpetrators will be identified and faced with severe consequences. Singh advised everyone not to turn the incident into a sensitive or communal matter, stressing that it was not communal in character. She made it clear that the retaliation did not include any specific community.“The mob has completely wrecked the police station…This occurrence is regrettable. Strict measures will be implemented if the offender is recognised. This was not a group incident. I ask that it not be made sensitive or communal. No specific community took offence.This was an attempt to subvert the state apparatus, the government, and the status quo of law and order.There will be another briefing in the evening, the speaker stated. In her Friday media appearance, Nainital DM Vandana Singh gave specifics of the violence that occurred in Haldwani after an anti-encroachment campaign. “Two people have died, as far as official information is concerned,” DM Singh stated.The DM clarified that the property was uninhabited, refuting rumours that it was a madrasa. The two buildings on the vacant lot are not recognised as religious buildings by any means, nor are they registered as such. “Some refer to the building as a madrasa,” she continued. The demolition drive began amicably, according to the DM, but stones were thrown at the Municipal Corporation personnel. According to the DM, the forces’ attack was prearranged. “The demolition drive began amicably, with the force being used to prevent…The team from our Municipal Corporation was attacked with stones.It was intended for the forces to be attacked on the day of the demolition drive.The first mob, which was carrying stones, dispersed, while the second mob entered carrying petrol bombs. Our staff did not use any force, and this was an unwarranted incident,” she stated. She went on, “You can see (in the video) that the administration and the police force are not provoking or harming anybody.” The DM stated that many locations have seen action taken against encroachment following the HC’s directive. This was not a singular incident, nor was it directed towards a specific resource. “Action has been taken against encroachment at several areas in Haldwani following the HC’s ruling.Everyone received notice and an opportunity to be heard.A few people did contact the HC; some were given time, while others were not. Where time was not given demolition drive was conducted by PWD & Municipal Corporation. This was not an isolated activity and was not targeted to a particular asset,” she said.
“We decided to continue the demolition drive because there was no stay on the assets…A legal process to remove the encroachment is being carried out at various places and so it was done here too…Our teams and resources moved and nobody was provoked or harmed…No actions were taken (by Police and administration) to cause harm to life and property…The demolition drive began peacefully…Despite the entire process being carried out properly, a large mob, within half an hour attacked our municipal cooperation team,” she said.
Further the DM claimed, Efforts were made (by the mob) to terrorize the area… Our priority was to protect the police station and then ensure that no loss of life or property occurred in Gandhi Nagar
“Maximum force was used for the protest of the police station…As soon as they (the mob) were dispersed from the police station, they headed to the Gandhi Nagar area…People from all communities and religions stay there…Efforts were made (by the mob) to terrorize the area…Our priority was to protect the police station and then ensure that no loss of life or property occurred in Gandhi Nagar…Our efforts were directed to protect the main city of Haldwani,” she said.
The DM said, tear gas and water cannons were used only to safeguard the police station.
“Later, the police station was surrounded by the mob and those inside the police station were not allowed to come out. They were first pelted with stones and then attacked by petrol bombs. The vehicles outside the station were set on fire, & due to the smoke, there was suffocation due to the smoke…Tear gas and water cannons were used only to safeguard the police station,” she said.
Two people died and over 100 police personnel were injured after violence erupted in Haldwani’s Banbhoolpura area on Thursday during an anti-encroachment drive.
Following the unrest, the district administration suspended internet services and ordered the closure of all schools and colleges.
The state government has issued a high alert for the entire state after the incident.
“A high alert has been issued in the entire state after the violence in Banbhoolpura of Haldwani,” said the Uttarakhand Government. (Agencies)
