New Delhi, A report from a citizens’ fact-finding team has revealed that the violent episode in Haldwani on February 8 was not an isolated event but rather the result of ongoing communal tensions in the region, exacerbated by the actions of the BJP government and various Hindutva groups.

According to Kashmir Media Service, the investigation into the violence that erupted in Banbhulpura, Haldwani, following the demolition of a mosque and a madrassa, disclosed that the disturbance was a direct continuation of anti-Muslim sentiment. The official death toll stands at six; however, local sources suggest the actual number could be higher, with numerous injuries resulting from police action, which included firing on the protesters.

The report, compiled after a visit to Haldwani by members of the Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR), Karawan-e-Mohabbat, and civil rights activist Sahid Qadri, cites interviews with locals, journalists, and other stakeholders. They noted that the demolition operation took place despite the issue being under judicial review, with a court hearing scheduled shortly after the incident. The situation escalated when authorities, accompanied by police, attempted to tear down the religious structures, leading to clashes with local residents.

The fact-finding mission revealed that the police detained several people, including minors, and held them at undisclosed locations. The implementation of curfews and internet blackouts following the incident only added to the turmoil, preventing residents from communicating the reality of the situation to the outside world.

The report also addresses the inflammatory rhetoric of the Uttarakhand government under Chief Minister Pushkar Dhami, highlighting the polarizing narrative against Muslims and the aggressive push to establish the region as a Hindu sanctuary. The state’s selective silence on unauthorized Hindu constructions, contrasted with the publicized destruction of Muslim religious sites, has been pointed out as a significant contributor to the current hostility.

In closing, the report underscores the pressing need for dialogue and a move away from divisive politics to ensure the safety and harmony of all communities in Uttarakhand.