On February 8, violence erupted in Gafoor Basti, Haldwani over the demolition of a mosque and madrasa built on government land. Media reports indicate that six individuals lost their lives in police firing, and approximately 500 sustained injuries during the violence. Despite the passage of four days, the entire area remains under strict lockdown, with no ingress or egress permitted.

The police claim to have arrested 30 individuals in connection with the violence, although local residents insist that more than 30 arrests have been made. Among those detained is a woman whose husband and son were allegedly forcibly taken into custody, leaving her unaware of their whereabouts.

Residents of Gafoor Basti continue to live under conditions of a curfew, with homes barricaded and people relocating to safer areas. Basic necessities such as ration supplies have been scarce for the past four days.

While police officials assert that they were attacked by locals, ordinary citizens maintain that innocent individuals were fired upon indiscriminately.



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