Clashes over mosque demolition lead to four fatalities, prompting Uttarakhand to be on high alert in Haldwani.

Violence erupted in the town of Haldwani in the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand after authorities demolished a mosque they claimed was built illegally. The incident occurred during an "anti-encroachment drive" by the police to remove illegal constructions, including the mosque and an adjacent madrassa (religious school). However, Muslim worshipers at the mosque argued that they were unfairly targeted. The clashes resulted in the death of at least four people and left hundreds injured. Videos circulating online showed protesters setting fire to vehicles and throwing stones, while the police responded with tear gas. To control the situation, a curfew was imposed, and the state issued "shoot at sight" orders. The Banbhoolpura area of Haldwani had previously witnessed demonstrations in January of the previous year after thousands, mostly Muslims, were served eviction notices for supposedly living illegally on land owned by Indian Railways, though the demolitions were later halted by the Supreme Court. Officials justified the recent action by citing a high court order mandating the removal of illegal settlements in the area. District Magistrate Vandana Singh claimed that the mosque and madrassa were demolished because they were constructed illegally on government land and were not registered as religious structures. However, locals disputed this claim and argued that the demolition occurred before the court had finalized its decision. The tensions surrounding the demolition of mosques have been escalating in recent months, with Muslim groups accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Hindu nationalist government of targeting them unfairly and promoting religious polarization ahead of the upcoming general elections. The government denies these allegations. In response to the violence, internet services were suspended, and a complete shutdown was ordered in Haldwani. Schools in Banbhoolpura will also remain closed for several days, and a large number of police personnel have been deployed to monitor the situation. This incident follows the recent passage of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in Uttarakhand, which introduced a new common law for all residents, regardless of their religion, gender, or sexual orientation. However, Muslims in Uttarakhand have rejected the UCC, considering it an encroachment on their Islamic practices.