Six Muslims were killed after violence hit Uttarakhand’s Haldwani. Muslims of the state were protesting after the demolition of a Madrasa and mosque took place by the authorities yesterday at Haldwani’s Madarsa titled Malik ke Bagiche. No prior notice was given to the people, as per reports the authorities even refused to show local residents’ requests to show demolition notices.
Harrowing videos have emerged of police beating protesting Muslims, including Muslim women. Multiple women and men were injured after the police fired rubber bullets and even tear gas. The incident unfolded just hours after Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami issued shoot on sight orders after meeting with senior officials yesterday.
Police and municipal workers who were conducting the demolition process also faced injuries during the clashes and some people reportedly also set police vehicles to fire.
Reports have emerged of Hindu mobs allegedly targeting Muslim-owned properties on the streets yesterday night despite a curfew, according to The Observer Post. Several anti-Muslim slogans were also spoken, according to the report. Slogans such as “Katu*# (a slur against Muslims), we will rape your sisters,” was also heard.
According to Maktoob Media, several journalists and residents of the area were detained and an internet ban was imposed.
Meanwhile, social media appears to be rife with posts about Muslims in a derogatory manner. Many claims were seen being made about demographic conspiracies against Muslims about population ‘explosion’.
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