Uttarakhand: Haldwani violence kills 2, injures 250; curfew imposed

The District Magistrate has now imposed a curfew in Banbhoolpura and issued a shoot-at-sight order for rioters.

Schools are closed and internet services have been shut down.

Violence erupted in Haldwani on Thursday after the authorities attempted to bulldoze the "illegal" madarsa. Resisting the demolition, the mob at Banbhoolpura threw stones at them.

All of the injured policemen are undergoing treatment at a local hospital.

Besides the police, a team of administration and civic officials had gone to the madrasa, which has an adjoining mosque.

In a statement, Uttarakhand DGP Abhinav Kumar said: "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," he said.

The state government has sought for additional police forces from the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dham earlier in the evening held a meeting with senior officials, including the Chief Secretary and the Deputy Commissioner of Police.

"MHA has made 4 companies of additional central forces available to us. CM called an emergency meeting at his residence sometime back. As of now, the situation is under control. According to the information I have available, several police personnel and administration officials sustained injuries and have been admitted to hospitals. No casualties have been reported yet," the DGP said.

He assured that the police will identify the people behind the incident and that action will be taken against them.

Besides policemen, several administration officials and journalists were injured.

As the police retaliated with tear gas, the violence intensified. Vehicles parked outside the police station were set on fire.

The District Magistrate informed the Chief Minister that prohibitory orders banning large gatherings have been imposed in the area to maintain normalcy.

Chief Minister Dhami said the team had gone for the demolition of an illegal structure after a court order, when "anti-social elements there entered into a brawl with the police".

"Additional companies of Police and Central Forces are being sent there. We have appealed to everyone to maintain peace. Curfew is in place.Strict action will be taken against rioters and encroachers who committed arson," he was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.

According to Municipal Commissioner Pankaj Upadhyay, the madrassa and namaz sites were completely illegal.

The Municipal Corporation had earlier taken possession of three acres of land nearby and sealed the illegal madrassa as well as the namaz place. These structures were demolished on Thursday.