The affected areas, predominantly home to Muslim residents, remain under strict surveillance, with barricades impeding movement and media access strictly prohibited.
Team Clarion
HALDWANI – Chaos and tragedy unfolded in the Malik Ka Bagicha locality of this city in Uttarakhand on February 8 as Muslims protested the demolition of a madrassa and mosque, deemed illegal by authorities.
In exclusive interviews with Clarion India, several affected families shared harrowing details of police raids on Muslim households in the dead of the night, compelling many to flee their abodes out of fear and desperation.
A middle-aged woman, requesting anonymity, lamented: “The terror of police raids at 2 or 3 in the morning has become a haunting reality, subjecting us to harassment and abuse. In such dire circumstances, who could endure such plight without seeking refuge elsewhere?”
Echoing her sentiment, an elderly resident expressed profound anguish. “The unrelenting brutality unleashed by the police, including acts of vandalism and physical assault, has coerced us to abandon our homes. Our once vibrant neighbourhoods now lie desolate, with empty streets and shuttered houses haunting the landscape,” he said.
The affected areas, predominantly home to Muslim residents, remain under strict surveillance, with barricades impeding movement and media access strictly prohibited by authorities.
During Clarion India’s visit to Malik Ka Bagicha, locals were seen either fleeing their homes or contemplating escape due to escalating fears of retaliation by law enforcement.
Despite the partial relaxation of curfew measures in the city, stringent restrictions continue to be place in areas directly impacted and inhabited predominantly by Muslims. The exodus from the vicinity surrounding Malik Ka Bagicha persists, with families compelled to leave their homes amidst escalating tensions.
Voicing their grievances, families of the victims decry the injustice inflicted upon them, emphasising their peaceful protest to protect their religious institutions. They vehemently deny allegations of inciting violence and demand a transparent investigation into the events culminating in the tragic incident.
SDM Nainital, Pramod Kumar, stated that while curfew restrictions have been temporarily lifted, certain sensitive areas remain under tight security, portraying a facade of normalcy. However, our observations reveal pervasive fear among residents, with reports indicating detention of over 100 people thus far.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of the violence, questions loom large regarding accountability and justice in restoring peace to the strife-torn neighbourhoods of Haldwani.
