10 February 2024
On February 9, tension gripped Haldwani town in Uttarakhand’s Nainital district as a substantial deployment of police and paramilitary forces took place, with multiple buffer zones established throughout the area. What initially began as a demolition drive by the Haldwani Municipal Corporation on February 8 targeting an “illegal Madrasa and mosque” swiftly escalated into a communal conflict, resulting in the tragic deaths of five members of the Muslim community.
But Muslims who prayed at the mosque say they have been unfairly targeted.
Presently, three individuals remain in critical condition. The deceased have been identified as Zahid, also known as Johnny (45), along with his son Anas (16), both residents of Ghafoor Basti, Shahbaan (23) from Banbhoolpura, Faheem (30) of Indiranagar, and Salman (30).
Reports indicate that over 60 individuals, including police personnel, have sustained severe injuries during the violent clashes in Haldwani. District Magistrate Vandana Singh revealed on Friday that the mob made an attempt to set police personnel ablaze while they were trapped inside the police station. As a result of the escalating situation, the city has been placed under a stringent curfew, with authorities issuing shoot-at-sight orders against protesters. Additionally, internet services have been completely shut down in an effort to quell further unrest.
However, locals contest this claim, asserting that the mosque was razed before the court could reach a final decision. Shakeel Ahmad, a local councillor, informed the Indian Express that when the administration arrived to demolish the structures, they requested a halt until the next court hearing, but their pleas were ignored. He emphasized that had they waited for the court’s final decision, there would have been no resistance from their end.
A Muslim shop owner in the vicinity, who wishes to remain anonymous, recounted being struck by a rubber bullet fired by the police while attempting to shield women protesters. Speaking to Maktoob, the individual described the police’s actions as brutal, alleging that they mercilessly beat women with lathis, displayed disrespectful behavior, and hurled Islamophobic slurs such as “katwe” and “mulle.” Expressing concern, the shop owner stated that the police seemed to be indiscriminately attacking without regard, suggesting a targeted assault.
The account aligns with multiple videos circulating on social media platforms, further corroborating reports of police violence against Muslim men and women.
