Uttarakhand Official Says Rioters Trying To "Terrorise Area", Cops On Alert
NDTV
"The first mob with stones were dispersed and the second mob that came in had petrol bombs. This was unprovoked," Nainital District Magistrate said.
Violence in Uttarakhand's Haldwani while officials were demolishing an illegal mosque and madrasa resulted in the deaths of 4 people. The clash led to injuries to over 50 policemen, with several administration officials, municipal workers, and journalists also caught in the crossfire. Shoot-at-sight orders have been issued in Haldwani and internet services completely shut down in a bid to control rioters.
Describing the gravity of the situation, Nainital District Magistrate said that rioters threw petrol bombs at a police station, and also set vehicles on fire.
"The demolition drive started peacefully, the force was deployed for prevention. Stones were pelted on our Municipal Corporation's team. It was planned that the day the demolition drive will be conducted the forces would be attacked," Vandana Singh said.
