Lucknow: Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati said on Saturday, February 10, that the loss of lives and damage to property in violence that broke out over the demolition of an illegally-built madrasa in Uttarakhand’s Haldwani is very worrying.
She also said the incident could have been prevented if the government was alert.
In a post in Hindi on X, the former Uttar Pradesh chief minister said: “The violence in Uttarakhand’s Haldwani and the loss of lives and damage to property in the incident is very worrying. If the government, administration and intelligence system were alert, the incident could have been prevented. The government should conduct a high-level investigation and also maintain peace.”
She also pointed out that the situation in Bareilly in Uttar Pradesh is tense and it should be controlled by the government in time.
Meanwhile, curfew was lifted from the outer areas of Haldwani. Still, it remains in force in the Banbhoolpura area which witnessed arson and vandalism by a mob over the demolition of the madrasa.
Five people involved in Thursday’s violence have so far been arrested and three FIRs registered, a senior police officer said.
Six rioters were killed in Thursday’s violence, officials said.
More than 60 people were hurt on Thursday as locals hurled stones and petrol bombs at municipal workers and police, forcing many police personnel to seek refuge in a police station, which the mob then set on fire.
Shiv Sena blames ‘polarisation’
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi blamed the violence on “polarisation” created by BJP.
“When the intention is just polarisation, this is what happens… curfews are imposed, look at the incidents in Manipur. In every state, BJP has created a situation where it will benefit from polarization. Their tried and tested model is to polarise people for votes,” she said.
“I am hoping the Home Minister will take cognisance,” Chaturvedi said, adding, “If the police have been attacked it is shameful, it shows how hooliganism is prevailing in BJP-ruled states.”
Rajya Sabha MP Brij Lal termed the razing of the madrasa — after which the violence erupted — a just move.
“Removing encroachment is right. Even on the mountains, they have made ‘mazars’ (shrines)…” he said.
He added, “Violence cannot be tolerated. Their ring leaders who planned it should be jailed under National Security Act and the Uttarakhand government will do it. There is a conspiracy. It wouldn’t have happened on its own.”
He also appreciated Uttarakhand Police for not resorting to firing.
‘Conspiracy’, says BJP MPS
Several MPs from the BJP said the Haldwani violence appeared to be a “conspiracy” and warrants strict action against the guilty.
BJP MP Ashok Bajpai called the incident unfortunate and a probable conspiracy.
“The incident is very unfortunate, it looks like a conspiracy because the encroachment was removed based on the order of the Supreme Court. Stone pelting, petrol bombs, and firing were done at a large scale. Police personnel have been hurt, strict action needs to be taken,” he said.
He also alleged that the “opposition parties” were sheltering “anarchist” elements.
Asked about the Thursday violence, BJP Rajya Sabha MP Harnath Yadav said, “The incident in Haldwani is a conspiracy. Bombs, country pistols, and other weapons were used, and government officials and police were attacked. There should be an order to shoot rioters at sight… There is no need to be lenient with them.”
The MP from Uttar Pradesh said the Uttarakhand government should “search every house,” and take action against the perpetrators.
BJP MP and former Uttarakhand chief minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank said the anti-encroachment drive to remove illegal structures is not a new thing.
