Situation improving in Vanbhulpura, authorities interact with stakeholders

Sunday, 18 February 2024 | PNS | HALDWANI

In addition to investigating the Haldwani riot of February 8 with 58 persons having been arrested so far, the authorities are also making efforts to bring the situation in the Vanbhulpura area back to normal. The district magistrate Vandana Singh and senior superintendent of police Prahlad Narayan Meena held a meeting with various stakeholders here on Saturday. Following the assurance given by the district magistrate the sanitation workers said that they will maintain the sanitation in the Vanbhulpura area. Meanwhile, the authorities also started attaching the property of the prime accused Abdul Malik, who remains absconding along with his son.

The DM and SSP said that the administration and police are responsible for maintaining security in the district. The residents of Haldwani are sensible and will cooperate in maintaining the peace as in the past, they said.

Meena said that the situation in Vanbhulpura is under control and that there is an atmosphere of peace in the area. A repeat of the riot which left at least five dead, hundreds injured and caused damage to property, will not be allowed. The SSP appealed to the locals to help the authorities identify the miscreants involved in the riot. Representatives of the Vyapar Mandal, bar association, hotel association, petrol pump owners, students union, sanitation workers, various political parties, taxi and transport operators along with other citizens who attended the meeting said that they will fully cooperate with the authorities for maintaining order and peace. They stressed that the strictest action should be taken against those involved in the riot and that the background of those who come from outside should be verified. Further, petrol should not be sold in bottles and the sanitation workers should be insured, those who attended the meeting said.

Meanwhile, the authorities are facilitating all essential services and commodities in the curfew-bound area of Vanbhulpura.