Communal AngleAccording to the report, the initial trigger provided by the hasty demolition soon lit the fuse for a communal conflict, with the local Valmiki community getting involved.“Sanitation workers, the majority of whom belong to the Valmiki Community, backed the police when the clashes unfolded. They mobilised their community to support the police in attacking Muslims. It ultimately led to communal violence. Vandalism and attacking Muslims with slogans “Jai Sri Ram (Glory be to Lord Ram)” were also reported by the locals,” the report noted. Legal StatusThe site where the recently demolished Maryam Masjid and Abdul Razzaq Zakariya Madrasa stood lies in Malik Ka Bagicha, a southeastern part of Haldwani city- between Banbhoolpura and the railway track, according to the report. Both the religious place and Islamic institution were two decades old and established around 2003-2004.“The property in 1937 was given on lease by British, which later came into possession of Sadiya Begum in inheritance. However, the matter of land regularisation has been pending at the government administration level for a long time since 2006. The district administration had to decide on when to do the regulation after the High Court order. A sum of 29,000 was also submitted for it. “Despite proposals for regularisation, including one put forth during the previous year’s Gairsain session of the Assembly, the bill awaits approval at the President’s level. Notably, approximately 4 lakh hectares of land are under lease across the state including Haldwani. These areas host various settlements, markets, temples, and mosques built in cities, towns, and villages,” it noted.Post-violence crackdownThe fact-finding report also highlighted the police crackdown on the Muslim community post-violence. “A new cruelty unfolded in the afternoon of February 10 when heavy police raids began in the colony near the incident site. They barged into the home, beating women and children. Everybody including men, women, and children fled their homes..running on foot to find a safe place towards the Gaula River forest and Lalkuan,” the report said. The fact-finding report accused the police of severe human rights violations including attacking women and children and setting up detention centres similar to torture chambers. “Police have set up detention centres resembling torture chambers where numerous individuals, including those from Haldwani who were away in other cities for various reasons are being held captive.”The report also noted that the situation worsened with the curfew being declared and shoot-at-sight orders still in place forcing the locals to stay at home. The residents of the area have been struggling due to a shortage of essential supplies, noted the report. “The “shoot at sight” order remains in effect with people unable to access basic medical care. Fearful residents are resorting to locking their doors to show their homes as empty, but the police are breaking these locks and mercilessly beating anyone found inside,” the report said.
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