uttrakhand haldwani violence

300 Muslim Families Seek Safety Amidst Haldwani Turmoil

In the aftermath of the recent violence in Uttarakhand's Haldwani, triggered by the demolition of an 'illegal' mosque and madrasa, more than 300 Muslim families from the Banbhoolpoora area have migrated to safer zones. The violence, which claimed six lives and injured 60, prompted families to travel on foot due to transportation limitations during the curfew.

photo: haldwani violence

Police Crackdown and Curfew Amidst Ongoing Search Operations

The Uttarakhand Police continue extensive search operations, leading to the arrest of 30 individuals linked to the violence. Weapons were confiscated during these arrests. While curfew restrictions are easing in parts of Haldwani, Banbhoolpoora remains under strict curfew, with the district administration sealing entry and exit points. Internet services have been restored in some areas, excluding those still under curfew.

#WATCH | Dehradun: On Banbhoolpura violence in Haldwani, Uttarakhand DGP Abhinav Kumar says, "...People should not give this incident a communal angle. We are taking the incident very seriously considering the way the police and administration teams were attacked. We have… pic.twitter.com/kiTjncfSwq— ANI (@ANI) February 13, 2024

_{Uttarakhand DGP Abhinav Kumar : Source: X (@ANI)}

Controversial Past and Recovery Notice: Abdul Malik in the Spotlight Amid Haldwani Violence

Amidst the recent Haldwani violence, Abdul Malik, accused of orchestrating the chaos, faces scrutiny for his past role in providing free legal assistance during a railway demolition drive. The violence erupted after a mosque and madrasa, managed by Malik, were demolished, raising questions about the legality of their construction.

The Municipal Corporation in Haldwani has now issued a recovery notice of Rs 2.44 crore against Abdul Malik, alleging damage to government properties during the demolition drive. Malik is instructed to deposit the amount by February 15, or legal action for recovery will be taken.

The dispute involving Nazool land dates back to 1937, with a 2007 High Court order and a recent demolition notice. Locals, citing the 2007 order, appealed for time, leading to a High Court hearing listed for February 14. The situation remains tense, shedding light on the complex history and recent events in Haldwani.

photo: haldwani accused Abdul Malik

_{Accused Abdul Malik}

Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind Appeals for Peace in Haldwani

Following the incident, a Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind delegation met with the Sub-Divisional Magistrate, expressing concerns about the hasty demolition that led to tensions. They emphasised the importance of waiting for court orders and appealed for peace in the region. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced plans to construct a police station at the site of the demolished mosque and madrasa.

बनभूलपुरा, हल्द्वानी में जिस जगह से अवैध अतिक्रमण हटाया गया वहां पर अब पुलिस थाने का निर्माण किया जाएगा।

उपद्रवियों और दंगाइयों के लिए हमारी सरकार का यह स्पष्ट संदेश है कि देवभूमि की शांति से खिलवाड़ करने वाले किसी भी व्यक्ति को छोड़ा नहीं जाएगा, ऐसे उपद्रियों के लिए उत्तराखण्ड… pic.twitter.com/kUQsHCCpeq— Pushkar Singh Dhami (@pushkardhami) February 12, 2024

_{source: X(@pushkardhami)}

Understanding Nazool Land

Nazool Land: Government-Owned, Lease-Allotted, and at the Centre of Haldwani Violence

Violence erupted in Haldwani following a demolition drive at a mosque and madrasa, allegedly on Nazool land. Nazool land, owned by the government and lease-allotted for fixed periods, is crucial to understanding the dispute.

The Historical Context of Nazool Land

Originating during British rule, Nazool land resulted from battles where the British confiscated land from opposing kings. Post-independence, these lands were marked as Nazool land and handed over to state governments due to a lack of proper documentation by the former kings.

photo: haldwani encroachment demolition

Haldwani's Demolition Drive: Is it Registered Nazool Land?

The Haldwani district administration claims that the disputed property is registered as Nagar Nigam’s Nazool land, undergoing a demolition drive to clear roads from traffic congestion. A notice issued on January 30 required encroachments to be removed within three days, leading to the controversial demolition on February 8. The administration insists the demolition occurred with the court's approval, while locals argue for more time, requesting a delay until the High Court's next hearing on February 14.

For more context, please read:Haldwani News Updates: Uttarakhand CM Orders Strict Action

Media sources: Multiple agencies and platforms