Last week, the town of Haldwani in Uttarakhand witnessed violent clashes following the demolition of a mosque and madrasa. Abdul Malik, a prominent local figure accused by the police of masterminding the violence, had been actively involved in providing free legal aid to families facing eviction during a previous demolition drive by the Railways.
Malik, who ran the mosque and madrasa, was known for his community work, including offering legal assistance to those in need. However, tensions escalated when the authorities moved to demolish the structures, leading to protests led by Malik.
According to Nainital Senior Superintendent of Police Prahlad Narayan Meena, Malik was responsible for the “illegal construction” of the mosque and had spearheaded protests against its demolition.
Speaking to media, High Court lawyer Ahrar Baig highlighted Malik’s previous efforts in providing legal aid to families facing eviction, which garnered him public sympathy.
The recent violence stems from a longstanding dispute over the ownership of the land where the mosque and madrasa stood. Malik’s wife, Safia, asserted in a petition filed with the Nainital High Court that the property’s origins trace back to a lease granted by the British government in 1937.
The dispute intensified in 2020 when parts of the madrasa were demolished without considering the family’s objections. Despite efforts to resolve the issue through legal channels, tensions continued to escalate, leading to the recent clashes.
Nainital District Magistrate Vandana Singh clarified that the demolition was carried out in accordance with legal procedures, with sufficient notice provided to the concerned parties. However, locals contested the legality of the demolition, leading to a temporary halt in the proceedings.
While the High Court did not grant immediate relief to the petitioners, the matter is scheduled for further hearings, indicating that the dispute is far from resolved.
The violence in Haldwani underscores the deep-rooted tensions surrounding land ownership and religious structures in the region. As the legal battle continues, authorities are working to maintain peace and ensure adherence to the law.
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