The curfew that had been in place in Banbhoolpura, a district in Haldwani, due to riots, was lifted entirely on Tuesday morning, bringing an end to the 12-day-long restrictions that had been imposed following violent clashes triggered by the demolition of what authorities termed an “illegal” madrasa.
According to a report by PTI referencing an official announcement, the curfew was lifted at 5 am, signifying a return to normalcy in the area.
During the duration of the curfew, the administration intermittently eased restrictions for varying durations. The unrest erupted on February 8th subsequent to the demolition of the madrasa in Banbhoolpura. On that fateful day, locals resorted to throwing stones and hurling petrol bombs at municipal workers and law enforcement officers, forcing many personnel to seek refuge at a nearby police station. Following this, the mob proceeded to set the police station ablaze.
Amidst the chaos, six individuals involved in the riots lost their lives, while over 100 individuals, including police officers and members of the press, sustained injuries, according to reports furnished by the police.
In connection with the disturbances, authorities have apprehended 68 individuals so far, with their assets also being seized as part of the legal proceedings.
Prior to the lifting of the curfew, on the preceding Monday, ten individuals were arrested for their alleged involvement in the violent incidents that unfolded in Haldwani.
The decision to lift the curfew marks a significant development in the efforts to restore peace and order in Banbhoolpura. It underscores a collective effort by the authorities to quell the unrest that had gripped the area for nearly two weeks.
Despite the lifting of the curfew, the aftermath of the violence remains palpable, with scars of the unrest still visible in the affected neighborhood. The process of healing and reconciliation is expected to be gradual, as the community grapples with the repercussions of the violent upheaval.
Moving forward, it is imperative for local authorities to continue fostering dialogue and understanding among community members to prevent similar incidents from recurring in the future. Efforts to address underlying grievances and promote inclusivity are vital in ensuring long-term stability and harmony in the region.
Nainital’s Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Prahlad Narayan Meena, addressed the media, announcing that the number of individuals detained in connection with the February 8th incident has now risen to 68 with the recent arrests.
Among those apprehended on Monday is Arbaz, accused of supplying materials used in crafting petrol bombs hurled at police officers and municipal corporation workers during the unrest. Nine liters of petrol were seized from Arbaz during the arrest.
The main figure behind the tumult, Abdul Malik, along with his son Abdul Moid, remains elusive. Malik, who spearheaded the construction of the madrassa and vehemently opposed its demolition, is alleged to have incited the violence in Banbhoolpura. His wife, Safia Malik, had sought legal recourse by filing a petition in the High Court to halt the demolition. However, her plea for immediate relief was dismissed.
Abdul Malik’s association with the construction of the madrassa and his vocal opposition to its demolition have drawn attention to his potential role in orchestrating the chaos on February 8th.
Dehradun (PTI): On Tuesday morning, the curfew in Banbhoolpura, Haldwani, was completely lifted after 12 days of stringent restrictions imposed following the violent upheaval sparked by the demolition of an alleged “illegal” madrasa.
According to an official directive, the curfew was officially lifted at 5 am.
Throughout the curfew period, the administration intermittently provided relaxation for varying durations.
The eruption of violence occurred on February 8th subsequent to the demolition of the madrasa in Banbhoolpura. On that day, locals engaged in stone-throwing and hurling petrol bombs at municipal workers and law enforcement officers, resulting in many seeking refuge at a police station, which was subsequently set ablaze by the mob.
As per police reports, the violence led to the death of six rioters, with over 100 individuals, including police personnel and members of the media, sustaining injuries.
Authorities have apprehended a total of 68 individuals thus far in connection with the violence, with their properties also being seized.
