Team Clarion
HALDWANI – Responding to the recent violence following the demolition of the Madrasa in Banbhoolpura, a joint delegation comprising representatives from Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind and Jamaat-e-Islami Hind visited Haldwani on Sunday to address concerns and express dissatisfaction with the brutal and retaliatory actions by the administration.
The delegation, including Maulana Hakeemuddin Qasmi, General Secretary of Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, Deputy Amir of Jamaate Islami Hind Malik Muhtasim, Deputy Amir Jamaate Islami Hind Shafi Madani, Maulana Ghayur Ahmad Qasmi, Senior Organizer of Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, and Maulana Shafique Ahmad Al Qasimi, Senior Organizer of Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, Laeeq Ahmad Khan, Syed Saajid expressed strong disapproval of the administration’s actions during discussions with SDM Paritosh Verma, City Magistrate Richa Singh, and local police station in-charge Neeraj Bhakuni.
During the review of the situation, the delegation voiced concerns about the issuance of shoot-at-site orders without following proper protocol, leading to the unnecessary loss of lives. They criticized the police for resorting to stone pelting, as observed in video footage, instead of employing non-lethal alternatives like tear gas before implementing the shoot-at-site order. This is highly condemnable.
The delegation strongly opposed mass arrests of innocent people, intimidation of women and children in Muslim minority neighbourhoods, and vindictive measures, deeming them counterproductive and wrong. They urged the police to exercise restraint and called upon the district administration to take effective steps to restore peace and trust in Haldwani.
Furthermore, the delegation demanded that the families of those who lost their lives be provided with compensation of one crore rupees, and one family member should be offered employment. In the context of India’s religious diversity, the delegation emphasized the emotional sensitivity of religious matters and urged authorities to avoid actions that could escalate tensions. They called for a careful and considerate approach, stating that the recent events in Haldwani could have been prevented with a more understanding and inclusive strategy.
Earlier, Maulana Mahmood Madani, President of Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, addressed a letter to the Union Home Minister, expressing profound concern over the situation in Haldwani. Maulana Madani questioned the haste in the demolition and urged attention towards finding a lasting solution to the demolition issue, particularly when it involves religious places.
