The city of Bareilly is experiencing heightened tensions and stringent security measures ahead of Friday prayers. Internet services have been suspended in four districts until Saturday afternoon, and a heavy police presence, including the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) and Rapid Action Force (RAF), is visible on the streets. Drones are also being deployed to monitor the situation. This increased alert follows violence that occurred last week after a planned demonstration concerning the ‘I Love Muhammad’ poster row was canceled. The clashes involved over 2,000 protesters and police, leading to 81 arrests.
Authorities have stated that the internet suspension is a precautionary measure to prevent the spread of rumors and to curb any potential incitement of communal tension via social media platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and WhatsApp. The notification from the Home Secretary, Gaurav Dayal, confirmed the suspension of SMS services, mobile data, broadband, and wireless connections across the affected districts.
The initial violence last week was reportedly triggered by a call for a demonstration by Cleric Tauqeer Raza Khan in support of the ‘I Love Muhammad’ campaign. Despite the demonstration being called off last minute by the cleric due to a lack of permission, the large crowd that had gathered became agitated, leading to stone-pelting and clashes with law enforcement.
In an effort to maintain peace, Maulana Ahsan Razan Khan, the seniormost cleric of Ala Hazrat Dargah, has appealed to local Muslims to disperse peacefully after offering prayers. High alert has also been issued for neighboring districts, including Shahjahanpur, Pilibhit, and Budaun, to prevent the spillover of any disturbances.