Five killed in clashes after India madrassa demolition
Five people were killed in India and dozens more injured after religious clashes sparked by the destruction of a madrassa, officials said on Friday, the latest in a spate of demolitions targeting Islamic structures. Hindu nationalist groups have been emboldened in their campaign against Muslim religious structures since Prime Minister Narendra Modi took office a decade ago. Authorities in the northern state of Uttarakhand bulldozed the Islamic school and an adjoining prayer site on Thursday, claiming they had been built without permission. Police said Muslim protesters threw stones at them in the protests that followed, prompting them to fire tear gas in response. Five people had been killed in the clashes in Haldwani district, said local official Vandana Singh. Singh earlier told reporters that dozens of others were being treated at "various hospitals." "Orders have been given to shoot the rioters on sight," she said. Footage of the clashes posted on social media showed Hindu residents of the district chanting anti-Muslim slogans and throwing stones at the crowd. Authorities in Haldwani suspended internet services, closed schools, imposed a curfew and banned large gatherings after the violence broke out. Security forces were also rushed into the area from other parts of the state to contain the unrest, officials said. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said the government would punish anyone found to have participated in the unrest. "Anyone who attempts to disturb the peace will not be spared," he said in a Friday social media post. (AFP)