The recent disturbances in Haldwani, located in Uttarakhand, which led to several injuries and loss of lives, have finally begun to settle. The root cause of this upheaval was the government’s action against what was deemed an “illegal structure,” part of a wider effort to remove encroachments in the vicinity of the Banbhoolpura police station. Following the incident, authorities have lifted the curfew in the affected area, though a night curfew remains in specific sectors such as Gaujajali, FSI, and the Godown area, effective from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Moreover, a similar curfew from 5 p.m. to 6 a.m. will be maintained in other areas under the jurisdiction of the Banbhoolpura police station.
In the midst of these events, Vandana Singh, serving as the District Magistrate, has been a polarizing figure. She has been lauded for her role in alleviating the communal tensions that escalated to an unprecedented level in Haldwani.
However, her decision to raze a madrasa in Banbhoolpura, which was declared ‘illegal,’ has sparked a wave of criticism. This culminated in a social media campaign on the X platform, with the hashtag #ArrestVandanaSingh gaining traction.
Demanding the arrest of Nainital DM Vandana Singh
Several users expressed outrage, particularly questioning the rationale behind demolishing the two-decade-old Mariam Masjid under the pretext of illegality. Amidst the criticism, there are voices in defense of Singh’s actions, highlighting the necessity of her firm stance against illegal settlements in Haldwani and commending her administrative capabilities.
