Authorities relaxed curfew restrictions imposed in outer areas of Haldwani on Saturday. Though the situation is peaceful, curfew continues in the Banbhoolpura area, authorities said. According to officials, heavy police deployment have been made in the city to maintain law and order.
As many as five people got killed in violence which broke out following the demolition of an illegally built madrasa in Haldwani on Thursday. Curfew has been lifted from the outer areas of violence-hit Haldwani, but it remains in force in the Banbhoolpura area that witnessed arson and vandalism by a mob over the demolition of an illegally built madrasa on Thursday. Shops on the outskirts of the town opened on Saturday but schools remain closed.
Police on Friday, naming 19 persons, registered three FIRs in connection with the violence and have arrested five persons. Additional Director General (ADG) of Police, Law and Order, A.P. Anshuman, who is camping in Haldwani said, “Patrolling is continuously being done in the affected area and the situation is under control. CCTV footage is being checked. Several police officials are injured." He added that the situation is normal and under control.
Internet services continue to be suspended to prevent rumours from spreading through social media platforms. However, the residents of the Banbhoolpura area, where the curfew is still in force, are being allowed to buy essentials from time to time, the ADG said.
“The movement of trains up to Kathgodam has also been resumed,” he added.
More than 60 people were hurt on Thursday as locals hurled stones and petrol bombs at municipal workers and police, forcing many police personnel to seek refuge in a police station, which the mob then set on fire.
Seven people, including a journalist, were under treatment on Friday at three different hospitals. Three of them were said to be in a serious condition.
-with PTI inputs.
