After seven days following tumultuous riots in Uttarakhand's Haldwani, local authorities have taken steps to ease the curfew restrictions, specifically in the Banbhoolpura locality, which served as the epicenter of the upheaval triggered by the demolition of an alleged "illegal" madrassa. The violent unrest, characterized by incidents of stone pelting and arson, resulted in the loss of lives for five individuals and left over a hundred others wounded.
Per an official decree, the curfew in Banbhoolpura, apart from the designated area, has been relaxed for two hours from 9 am to 11 am. Additionally, outlets vending essential goods have been permitted to operate, and residents are granted access to marketplaces. However, non-essential movement remains restricted.
Students residing in the vicinity have been granted permission to attend their board examinations, provided they furnish their admit cards as proof.
Any contravention of these directives will be subject to penalties under Section 188 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), as specified in the order.
Meanwhile, in Nainital, relaxation of curfew measures persists from 9 am to 4 pm in areas including Gaujajali, Railway Bazar, and the FCI godown area.
The outbreak of violence on February 8, stemming from the demolition of the allegedly unauthorized madrassa in Banbhoolpura, compelled numerous law enforcement personnel to seek shelter within a police station, which subsequently fell victim to arson attacks by the mob.
