Khadwani violence: Dhami says police stations will be present in liberated land; situation ‘under control’

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Monday said a police station will be set up on unencroached land in Haldwani’s Banbhoolpura . Violence broke out last week after authorities razed an “illegally built” religious school.

More paramilitary forces were deployed in Bambopura district on Monday and the situation was “normal and under control”, officials said, adding that curfew restrictions are currently limited to Bambopura area of ​​Haldwani. During the riots on February 8, police and municipal corporation staff were attacked and a police station was set on fire.

Referring to the Haldwani violence, the chief minister, who was here to attend the Nari Shakti Mahotsav, said the manner in which police and journalists were attacked by miscreants “cannot be condemned enough”.

In the violence that broke out during the demolition of the religious school and adjoining prayer building, six people died, including five alleged rioters, and 60 were injured. Dhami said several acres of land were no longer encroached upon during the demolition drive in the ‘Malik ka Bagicha’ area of ​​Bambopurpura. “Today, I announce from the holy bank of Mother Ganga that a police station will be established at that place.” The chief minister reiterated that the government will not tolerate such violence and the police are making continuous efforts to arrest those involved. “The law is taking its course. The man behind this conspiracy will soon be brought to the public.” He added.

Police have so far arrested 30 people on charges of inciting violence during the demolition process. Meanwhile, Nainital district magistrate Vandana Singh said 120 arms licenses in Banbhoolpura have been cancelled. “We are making every effort to maintain peace in Haldwani,” Singh said.

She added that the situation in all districts of Haldwani, including Bambopurpura, was now “normal and under control”. Nainital Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Prahlad Meena said more companies of paramilitary forces have been deployed at sensitive locations in Bambopurpura and police are trying to trace those involved in the riots . More than 1,000 security personnel have been deployed in the area. Curfew has been lifted in other districts of Haldwani except Bambohurpura district, after which the government started streamlining essential services, officials said.

“Busses, trains and other essential services have been started in Haldwani. Schools and markets have been opened. The restrictions are limited to Banbhoolpura only,” the DM said.

SSP Meena said essential items are being provided to residents of the curfew areas and more facilities will be provided to them soon. Meena said the primary health center in Banborpura and medical shops in the area have been opened and gas cylinders are being provided to residents.

Kumaon Mandal Development Corporation general manager AP Vajpayee said gas cylinders are also being distributed to other curfew-affected areas such as Kidwai Nagar, Indira Nagar and Nai Basti. Apart from this, sale of vegetables, milk and other essential items is also allowed in Bambopura area, he said.

(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from associated news agency – PTI)