At least five people were killed and over 60 injured as a result of police firing during protests over the demolition of an Islamic seminary in Haldwani, Uttarakhand.
Reports indicate that the area has been placed under curfew, with orders to shoot at sight issued against protesters, and internet services have been completely shut down.
The confrontation ensued when a team of government officials, accompanied by police officers, sought to demolish the Madrasa following a court order, as both the Madrasa and mosque had been deemed illegal by the administration. However, their efforts were met with fierce resistance from residents in the Vanbhulpura area of Haldwani.
The Madrasa, demolished by Uttarakhand authorities, was located in the railway colony area, housing over 4,000 families. The Union government is pursuing the land for railway expansion, and the matter is currently being deliberated in the Supreme Court.