Uttar Pradesh’s Bareilly remained peaceful on Friday, with enhanced security measures in place following the previous week’s disturbances. Internet services were suspended in the city, a day after ‘I love Mohammad’ poster protests led to violence.
Samajwadi Party Delegation Stopped
A delegation from the Samajwadi Party, headed by Pandey, was scheduled to visit Bareilly but was reportedly instructed by the police to remain at their residences. Pandey expressed his dissatisfaction, stating that the district magistrate’s request to stay home was politically motivated, aimed at hiding administrative shortcomings. Visuals from Lucknow showed a significant police presence outside Pandey’s residence.
Authorities Assure Peace
Friday prayers concluded peacefully across Bareilly’s mosques. District Magistrate Avinash Singh reported full cooperation from the public with police and administrative efforts. The city was strategically divided into zones for better security management, with religious leaders urging attendees to return home promptly after prayers. Drones were deployed for surveillance.
Authorities are also preparing to take action against individuals involved in the September 26 violence. Manikandan A, vice-chairman of the Bareilly Development Authority, stated that a list of properties belonging to those involved in the unrest is being compiled for strict action.
Background: The ‘I Love Muhammad’ Row
The unrest stemmed from an FIR filed on September 9 against 24 individuals for allegedly displaying ‘I Love Muhammad’ boards during a Barawafat procession on September 4. Hindu groups protested, viewing the posters as a provocation. An initial call for a demonstration by cleric Tauqeer Raza Khan was later withdrawn, but protests escalated when demonstrators gathered near Khan’s residence and a local mosque. The situation turned violent when police lathi-charged the crowd, leading to stone-pelting.
Multiple FIRs have been filed, and several arrests have been made, including cleric Tauqeer Raza Khan and his associates. Reports indicate that 81 individuals were arrested by Wednesday.