Widespread police raids and detentions were also documented. Additionally, the report alleged indiscriminate violence and extensive damage to properties.
Mohammad Alamullah | Clarion India
NEW DELHI – Official apathy and undue haste in the operation to carry out the demolition of a mosque and madrassa have been blamed for the recent large-scale violence in Uttarakhand’s Haldwani city.
The report, prepared by the Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR), revealed unsettling details about the events that led to the rioting in the city on February 8.
APCR is a civil rights group dedicated to preventing the free flow of hate speech and propaganda from mass media. Its fact-finding report was released at an event at the Press Club here on Thursday.
The report revealed critical information, notably concerning Haldwani Municipal Corporation Commissioner Pankaj Upadhyay. The senior official, despite receiving a transfer order, proceeded with the contentious demolition operation, the report said.
It said the authorities had already sealed the targeted property, indicating the initiation of its acquisition by the government. Strangely, the operation was carried out even when the matter was sub-judice, with a court hearing scheduled for February 14. The timing and method of the demolition, particularly targeting a mosque, incited outrage and accusations of undue haste and insensitivity.
Community voices emphasised the historical activism in Haldwani, particularly highlighting women’s involvement in social and political movements. Contrary to assertions of sudden mobilisation, the community underscored a longstanding pattern of attacks and marginalisation, echoing sentiments across Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh.
Concerns were raised regarding the police response, particularly the distance between the incident site and the police station. Doubts emerged about the promptness of victim assistance amidst allegations of police brutality and subsequent communication restrictions.
Efforts to engage with local authorities were met with frustration, with claims of unavailability and lack of transparency in decision-making processes. Discrepancies in official reports, including conflicting figures on casualties and arrests, further inflamed tensions within the community, the report said.
The fact-finding committee also alleged widespread police raids and detentions, with charges of indiscriminate violence and extensive damage to properties. The absence of legal representation for detainees exacerbated the crisis, exposing systemic flaws in the administration of justice, the report said.
Calls for accountability and transparency resonated, with demands for impartial investigations and access to legal representation for all the affected individuals. The press conference served as a crucial platform to articulate grievances and pursue proactive steps in the face of escalating tensions and human rights violations.
The Haldwani incident underscores the imperative for responsible governance and adherence to due process as stakeholders navigate the complex socio-political landscape and community resilience.
Distinguished figures such as the former chairman of Delhi Minority Commission Wajahat Habibullah, journalist Ashok Kumar Sharma, renowned social worker Harsh Mandir, former member of the Planning Commission Dr. Syeda Syedin Hameed, social worker Nadeem Khan Shaiq, and social activist Nausharan Kaur provided firsthand insights, enriching the discourse.
