HALDWANI RIOTS UTTARAKHAND C.M.’S STRONG RESPONSE SARASIJ MAJUMDER On February 8, 2024, violent clashes erupted in Haldwani, Uttarakhand, following the court-ordered demolition of an unauthorized madrasa and mosque situated in the Banbhoolpura area, predominantly inhabited by Muslims. A tussle over illegal structure in the Banbhoolpura area snowballed into a full-blown riot when a state team tried to raze the buildings following a court order. This move was met with fierce resistance from a mob. Miscreants pelted stones and set a few vehicles on fire in the area. Curfew has been imposed in Haldwani to maintain law and order situation, while internet services have also been suspended in the city. Police said most of the injured were hospitalised after the violence in the city’s Banbhoolpura area were police personnel and municipal workers involved in the demolition of a local madrasa. Authorities claim the violence was “pre-planned and unprovoked” and "stones were sto