Violence erupted in Haldwani town after police launched their 'anti-encroachment campaign'
The Indian state of Uttarakhand remained on alert on Friday after at least five people died in ongoing violence after authorities demolished a mosque a day earlier, alleging it was built illegally. bbc reported.
Violence broke out in the town of Haldwani during what police said was an “anti-encroachment campaign” launched to demolish illegal buildings, including the mosque and a joint madrasa.
However, Muslims who attended the mosque to pray say they have been unfairly singled out.
The clashes that began on Thursday night resulted in hundreds of injuries among both police and protesters.
Videos circulating on the Internet show protesters throwing stones and setting cars on fire while police attacked them with tear gas.
To control the situation, the State has issued “shoot on sight” orders in addition to imposing a curfew.
The madrassa and mosque were razed, according to district magistrate Vandana Singh, as they were not recognized as religious buildings and were built illegally on government property.
“The campaign was not aimed at any particular community. It started peacefully, but a mob attacked officials soon after, leading to violence,” Singh said, adding that authorities had previously notified the mosque's administration about its demolition. .
Locals have denied the district administration's claim, stating that the mosque was demolished before the court could take a final decision on the case.
“When the administration came to demolish the structures, we asked them to stop until the next court hearing. But they did not listen. If they had waited for the court's final decision, we would not have faced resistance from our side,” Shakeel Ahmad, a local councillor, said. to the indian express.
Tensions over the demolition of mosques have increased in recent months.
On the eve of general elections due in two months, Muslims say they are being unfairly singled out by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Hindu nationalist administration and accuse it of inciting religious conflict.
