explained-what-happened-in-haldwani

The violent incidents in Haldwani, Uttarakhand, unfolded from unsuccessful negotiations to a chaotic situation marked by stones being hurled. Authorities confirmed that the turmoil resulted in at least five deaths and over a dozen injuries, three of which were critical.

 

The violence erupted on Thursday during a demolition drive by the administration in the Banbhoolpura area, where a mosque and a madrasa were allegedly constructed on Nazool land. The situation escalated as stones were thrown, cars were set ablaze, and a mob surrounded the police station, prompting Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Dhami to issue shoot-on-sight orders.

On Friday, the administration took a firm stance, labelling the attack on the demolition team and police as a "planned" assault. The District Magistrate (DM) asserted that rioters had pre-collected stones, and the mob attempted to burn police personnel alive inside the police station. Chief Minister Dhami described it as an "attempt to kill" police and administration officials, with the Director General of Police invoking the National Security Act against rioters.

 

 

 

The district remained under curfew, with restricted movement, heightened police presence, and suspended internet services. Eyewitnesses reported that the demolition commenced around 4:30 pm, followed by stone-pelting, arson, and the siege of the police station by 5:30 pm. Additional police forces were called in, and control was restored by 9 pm.

 

During his visit on Friday, Chief Minister Dhami met injured police personnel and emphasised that the anti-encroachment drive followed court directives, with prior notifications to the public. The DM clarified that the disputed land was registered as Nagar Nigam's Nazool land, subject to a recent demolition drive to address traffic congestion.

 

 

 

The DM highlighted that a notice issued on January 30 required the removal of encroachments within three days or the submission of ownership documents. Locals applied on February 3, seeking time to appeal to the High Court. Despite presenting a 2007 High Court order, the demolition was postponed for legal verification. After the High Court declined relief, the demolition proceeded.

 

However, Councillor Shakeel Ahmad disputed the administration's actions, claiming the High Court had not issued a final decision, with the next hearing scheduled for February 14. He argued that waiting for the court's decision would have avoided resistance.

 

The DM insisted that the violence was not communal but an attack against the state machinery, alleging a planned assault to demoralise authorities. Some BJP MPs also labelled the incident a "conspiracy."

Violence erupted in Haldwani, Uttarakhand's Nainital district, on February 8, following a demolition drive by the administration at a mosque and madrasa allegedly situated on Nazool land. The incident resulted in five fatalities and numerous injuries.

 

What is Nazool land?

 

Nazool land is government-owned but typically not directly managed as state property. The state often leases such land to entities for fixed periods, ranging from 15 to 99 years. If the lease is expiring, individuals can request renewal by applying to the Revenue Department of the local development authority. The government has the discretion to renew or cancel the lease, reclaiming Nazool land. In major Indian cities, Nazool land is allocated for various purposes.

 

How did Nazool land emerge?

 

During British rule, opposition from kings and kingdoms led to battles with the British Army. Following the victory, the British seized land from defeated kings. After Independence, the British vacated these lands, marking them as Nazool land due to the lack of proper documentation proving prior ownership by kings and royals.

 

How is Nazool land used by the government?

 

The government typically utilises Nazool land for public purposes such as constructing schools, hospitals, Gram Panchayat buildings, etc. Additionally, large tracts of Nazool land in various Indian cities are leased for housing societies.

 

How is Nazool land governed?

 

While different states have issued government orders for framing rules regarding Nazool land, The Nazool Lands (Transfer) Rules, 1956 is commonly used for Nazool land adjudication.

 

Is the land in Haldwani where the demolition occurred registered as Nazool land?

 

According to the administration, the property where the structures stood is registered as Nagar Nigam’s (Municipal Council’s) Nazool land. The administration claims that a demolition drive had been ongoing for the past 15-20 days in connection with Nagar Nigam properties to alleviate traffic congestion. The DM stated that a notice issued on January 30 required the removal of encroachments within three days or the submission of ownership documents.

Despite locals submitting an application on February 3 and requesting time to appeal to the High Court, the demolition allegedly took place after receiving court approval. However, Councillor Shakeel Ahmad disputed this, stating that locals had requested the administration to wait until the next High Court hearing on February 14.