4 arrested in Haldwani violence, high alert issued across Uttarakhand

The state government has issued shoot-at-sight orders against rioters in the city, the statement said. Dhami has urged everyone to maintain calm and asked officials to deal sternly with "anarchic elements".

Senior Superintendent of Police Prahlad Meena told PTI the madrasa and the mosque stood on illegally encroached government land and the demolitions were carried out in the heavy presence of police and Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) personnel in compliance with a court order.

Angry residents, including women, in large numbers descended on the streets to protest the action as the demolition of the two structures began. They were seen breaking barricades and arguing with the police personnel engaged in the demolition exercise.

As a bulldozer razed the madrasa and the mosque, mobs hurled stones at the police personnel, municipal corporation workers and journalists, the officials said. The police tried to disperse the irate mob by resorting to a mild lathi charge and bursting of teargas shells. However, tension escalated with the mob setting fire to several vehicles, including a police patrol car, they said.