Internet Services Suspended Till Saturday
Mobile internet, broadband, and SMS services remain suspended across Bareilly, Shahjahanpur, Pilibhit, and Budaun until 3 pm on Saturday. The suspension, enforced from Thursday afternoon, aims to prevent rumours and communal tension from spreading on social media platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, and YouTube.
The decision was announced by Uttar Pradesh Home Secretary Gaurav Dayal, who said the move was necessary to maintain law and order during the festive season of Dussehra and ahead of the weekly congregational prayers.
Police, Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC), and Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel have been deployed in Bareilly’s sensitive areas, while drones are being used for aerial surveillance. Divisional Commissioner Bhupendra S. Chaudhary directed officials to act responsibly, warning that negligence would invite strict action.
SSP Bareilly Anurag Arya confirmed that the city has been divided into four super zones and four special zones to ensure close monitoring. Religious leaders have also been requested to advise worshippers to return home peacefully after offering Friday prayers.
Background of the ‘I Love Muhammad’ Row
The unrest stems from cleric Tauqeer Raza Khan’s call for a demonstration in support of the ‘I Love Muhammad’ campaign. On September 26, nearly 2,000 people gathered outside a mosque in Bareilly to join the protest. However, when the cleric cancelled the demonstration citing lack of official permission, the crowd grew restless, resulting in stone-pelting and clashes with police. Authorities later arrested more than 80 people in connection with the violence.
In anticipation of fresh unrest, Maulana Ahsan Razan Khan of the Ala Hazrat Dargah has appealed for peace, urging Muslims in Bareilly to disperse calmly after the Friday namaz.
High Alert in Adjoining Districts
The high alert extends beyond Bareilly, with neighbouring districts of Shahjahanpur, Pilibhit, and Budaun also under tight security. Officials confirmed that armed forces are being stationed at sensitive points to prevent any spillover of unrest.
“We are committed to ensuring peace. Every precautionary step has been taken to prevent a repeat of last week’s violence,” a senior official said.