2nd May, Uttarakhand
Communal tension gripped Nainital for 18 hours, leading to violent clashes with police, market closures, and panic among tourists.
Communal tension was brought to the forefront in Uttarakhand’s Nainital town on Wednesday when an elderly member of another community allegedly beat up a 12-year-old girl. A mob that was outraged set out for destruction, burning down the market as it went about vandalising shops belonging to the community and vehicles parked at the roadside.
As per officials, the commotion began when two community members had an argument that turned violent. Police forces rushed to the location after stone-pelting and inflammatory slogans were reported. With the situation getting worse, authorities had to deploy more personnel and temporarily restrict sensitive areas.
The alleged rape occurred on April 12 and the FIR was filed against the accused, Usman, on the complaint filed by the victim’s mother on April 30, the police said.
Because of the conflict erupting during the peak tourist season, visitors in the hill station were locked up in their hotel rooms as police conducted peace meetings to ensure law and order.
During the height of the tension, there were several clashes between protesters and the police. Mobs were dispersed using tear gas, and lathi charges were carried out to ensure discipline. Numerous locals, including police personnel, sustained minor injuries.
Malls and markets in Nainital, particularly in major tourist areas such as Mall Road and Tallital, were closed as panic gripped locals. “We closed shop early and stayed indoors. Nobody wants to take chances,” said Mohan Bisht, a local shop owner.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Prahlad Meena informed the media that the girl’s mother was a resident of Sambhal district of Uttar Pradesh, and she was staying with one of her relatives in Nainital.
When the girl met her mother in April, she explained to her mother about the incident. Her mother had called the police. We promptly registered the FIR on the complaint and arrested the accused. Firm action will be taken against him,” Mr. Meena added. The accused was brought before the court on Thursday and taken to jail on judicial custody.
The district administration has since stepped in to take charge. There is a heavy police deployment on the ground, and internet services have been suspended for a while in certain areas to check the spread of misinformation. There are also meetings between the authorities and local leaders to calm the situation and avoid further skirmishes.
“No one will be spared if found involved in inciting violence,” the District Magistrate said. “Peace and law and order will be maintained at all costs.”
Calm had returned to some extent by Thursday afternoon, but the wounds of the unrest are still evident. The Economic cost is of concern to tourism stakeholders, particularly with the tourist season getting close, traditionally a high season for local enterprises.
