‘Shoot-at-sight’ order issued in Nainital village after violence over anti-encroachment drive

NAINITAL (Uttarakhand): Communal tension gripped Haldwani area of Nainital district on Thursday evening after violence broke out in Banbhoolpura following an anti-encroachment drive.

The district magistrate has imposed a curfew in Banbhoolpura. Also, shoot-at-sight orders have been issued against the rioters.

BIG BREAKING: Muslim mob attacked police and journalists, pelting stones and setting vehicles outside the police station on fire, in response to the Administration's attempt to demolish an illegal Madrasa.

Several cops, journalists injured.

Banbhoolpura, Haldwani, Uttarakhand pic.twitter.com/4nHChEMT6T

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Uttarakhand DGP Abhinav Kumar said that the state government has also demanded the Ministry of Home Affairs for additional police forces and has deployed four additional central forces.

“Around 4 pm today, a joint team of district administration and police was conducting an anti-encroachment drive in Banbhoolpura, Haldwani, as per the court’s order. Opposing that, a few anti-social elements pelted stones and caused arson. It is also being said that they fired at the police using illegal weapons. DIG, Kumaon, reached the spot immediately and additional police forces have also been called there. The state government has also demanded that the MHA provide additional police forces. The MHA has made four companies of additional central forces available to us,” Kumar said.

He further said that the situation, however, is under control. According to the Uttarakhand DGP, several police personnel and administration officials sustained injuries during the violence and are undergoing treatment at hospitals.

“The CM called an emergency meeting at his residence sometime back…As of now, the situation is under control. As per the information available to me, several police personnel and administration officials sustained injuries and have been admitted to hospitals. No casualties reported yet. The situation is tense but under control…” he added.

He also assured action against those who would be found guilty. “In the days to come, the people behind the incident will be identified and action will be taken against them”, he said.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has appealed to people to maintain peace. “In Banbhoolpura area of Haldwani, a team from the administration had gone for an anti-encroachment drive, following the court’s order. Anti-social elements there entered into a brawl with the Police. A few police personnel and administrative officials sustained injuries. Additional companies of police and central forces are being sent there. We have appealed to everyone to maintain peace. Curfew is in place”, he said.

“Strict action will be taken against rioters and encroachers who committed arson”, Dhami added. (ANI)