Internet Suspended, Security Tightened in Bareilly Amid ‘I Love Muhammad’ Poster Row Tensions:

Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, remains on high alert as authorities have suspended internet services and ramped up security following last week's violent clashes over the controversial 'I Love Muhammad' poster row. The move comes ahead of Friday prayers, amid fears of further unrest. Last Friday, Bareilly witnessed intense violence after a planned demonstration in support of the 'I Love Muhammad' campaign was abruptly cancelled. The protest had been called by prominent cleric Tauqeer Raza Khan, but was called off at the last minute due to a lack of official permission. However, by that time, a crowd of nearly 2,000 had already gathered outside a mosque. Anger and confusion over the sudden cancellation led to clashes between protesters and police. What began as a peaceful assembly quickly escalated into stone-pelting and violent confrontations, resulting in injuries and damage. Following the incident, 81 people were arrested, and authorities have since taken stringent steps to prevent further violence. To control the situation, the Uttar Pradesh administration has suspended internet services—including mobile data, SMS, broadband, and wireless connections—in Bareilly, Shahjahanpur, Pilibhit, and Budaun districts. The suspension began at 3 PM on Thursday and will remain in effect until 3 PM on Saturday, October 4. The state Home Secretary, Gaurav Dayal, confirmed the move through an official notification, stating that it aims to prevent the spread of rumours and inflammatory content via social media platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, and YouTube. In addition to the digital clampdown, security forces have been deployed in large numbers across Bareilly. Personnel from the Rapid Action Force (RAF), Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC), and local police are patrolling the streets. Drones are also being used to monitor sensitive areas from above. The city has been divided into four super zones and four special zones, with forces strategically stationed to ensure peace. Bareilly SSP Anurag Arya emphasized that religious leaders have been requested to advise worshippers to return home immediately after offering Friday prayers. Divisional Commissioner Bhupendra S. Chaudhary has issued a stern warning to administrative officials, urging them to remain vigilant and responsible. "Any lapse in duty will invite strict action," he stated during a high-level security briefing on Thursday. The government has also placed neighbouring districts on high alert to prevent the unrest from spilling over. “Armed police forces are being positioned at sensitive locations. We are ensuring foolproof arrangements so that disturbances like those in Bareilly do not affect other areas,” said a senior official. As tensions remain high, senior clerics have stepped forward to help ease the situation. Maulana Ahsan Raza Khan, the most senior cleric of Ala Hazrat Dargah, has made a public appeal for peace. He urged the Muslim community to maintain calm and return home quietly after offering their prayers on Friday. The 'I Love Muhammad' poster controversy has deeply stirred emotions in Bareilly, a city with a significant Muslim population. While the campaign was meant to express religious sentiment, the lack of coordination and communication led to a volatile situation. With internet suspended and heavy security deployed, the administration hopes to avoid a repeat of last week's chaos and restore peace in the region.

NEWS