Exodus of Muslim families from Haldwani, Govt slap Rs 2.44 crore fine on Abdul Malik
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In the Haldwani clash between the people protesting against the demolition of the mosque and madrasa in Banbhoolpura and the police, the Municipal Corporation has issued a Rs 2.44 crore recovery notice to Abdul Malik, the alleged key accused in the violence.
"The punitive action against Malik stemmed from the Municipal Corporation's allegation that he, along with his supporters, attacked a team conducting a demolition drive in 'Malik Ka Bagicha,' resulting in damage to government properties owned by the municipal corporation.
The incident, which occurred on February 8, led to six deaths and over a hundred injuries, including those of police and media personnel.
The recovery notice demands that Malik deposit the assessed amount of Rs 2.44 crore to the Municipal Corporation by February 15. Failure to comply would result in legal action to recover the damages caused during the violent incident.
The violence erupted when municipal authorities demolished the Mariyam mosque and the Abdul Razzaq Zakariya madrasa, both alleged to be built illegally on government land. The structures were razed despite the matter being sub judice in the Uttarakhand High Court. The clashes between locals and police resulted in six deaths, with 60 people sustaining injuries, including police personnel. A police station is now planned to be constructed on the disputed land.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced the construction of a police station on the contested site. Dhami emphasized the removal of "encroachment" from a Banbhoolpura garden, stating that several acres of land were recovered.
The Chief Minister condemned stating that those who disturb the peace in Devbhoomi will not be spared, and a clear message was being sent to miscreants and rioters.
Meanwhile, 30 individuals have been arrested in connection with the violence, with three FIRs filed in the matter. A Congress delegation led by Yashpal Arya, the Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly, met with Chief Minister Dhami, demanding an impartial investigation into the incident.
Amidst the unrest, a delegation comprising representatives from Muslim groups Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind and Jamaat-e-Islami Hind visited Haldwani. Jamiat chief Maulana Arshad Madani criticized the use of police force, alleging harassment of Muslims.
Madani called for an impartial inquiry into the incident and questioned the hasty demolition of the mosque and madrasa without waiting for court orders.
The aftermath of the violence has seen over 300 Muslim families migrating from Banbhoolpoora to safer zones due to ongoing tensions. With curfew restrictions and a lack of transportation facilities, families were seen walking with their luggage.
The Uttarakhand Police are conducting extensive search operations, having arrested 30 individuals linked to the violence.
The Nainital district administration has relaxed the curfew in many parts of Haldwani, but Banbhoolpoora remains under intense curfew. Entry and exit points have been sealed to prevent potential escape by rioters involved in the violence.
Some areas have restored Internet services, while strict instructions have been issued for residents to stay indoors or face legal consequences.
A delegation of Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind met with the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) to convey their demands, emphasizing the need for peace in the area. Abdul Raziq, the General Secretary of Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind, raised concerns about the hasty demolition and urged authorities to wait for court orders before taking such actions.
The delegation sought assurances that actions would not be taken against innocent people caught up in the aftermath of the demolition drive. The situation remains tense as the community grapples with the consequences of the violent clashes and the displacement of families from Banbhoolpoora.
