`I love mohammed` row: High alert in Bareilly division, drones deployed
Amid extremely critical situations in the Bareilly division, security across the region has been significantly strengthened. According to news agency PTI, heavy deployment of forces—including police, PAC, and RAF personnel—is maintaining vigilance on the streets of four districts within the Bareilly division.
Officials have confirmed that drones were also deployed in the air on Thursday, in view of the upcoming Dussehra festivities. This robust security setup aims to safeguard the area from any situation that could potentially lead to violent protests.
The unrest began on September 26, when a gathering of around 2,000 people outside a mosque in the Kotwali area following Friday prayers led to a confrontation with police involving stone-pelting. In response, police conducted overnight raids on September 27, made several arrests, and increased the deployment of forces to control the situation. Authorities have also been actively monitoring social media to curb any attempts to disturb communal harmony.
The tension was triggered by the cancellation of a protest over the ‘I Love Muhammad’ poster controversy, which had been called by cleric Tauqeer Khan.
Divisional Commissioner Bhupendra S. Chaudhary has issued a high alert across Bareilly, Shahjahanpur, Pilibhit, and Budaun districts, as reported by PTI. Police have been instructed to maintain vigilance at key locations such as Ramlila grounds, Durga Puja fairs, and Ravan Dahan programmes, all of which attract large crowds.
Chaudhary emphasized, “All district magistrates, deputy collectors, police, and administrative officials must discharge their responsibilities seriously. Any lapse will invite stern action,” according to PTI.
Intelligence agencies have also been put on alert, with field teams deployed to monitor sensitive areas. Officials highlighted the critical situation in Uttar Pradesh, stating, “Armed police forces are being positioned at sensitive locations. We are ensuring foolproof arrangements so that the disturbances witnessed in Bareilly do not spill over to neighbouring districts,” as cited by news agency ANI.
As of Wednesday, 81 people had been arrested in connection with the violence that erupted on September 26 linked to the ‘I Love Muhammad’ protest.
Following the clashes in Bareilly, tensions escalated further in Faizullaganj village of Barabanki district.
(With inputs from PTI)
https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/i-love-mohammed-row-high-alert-in-bareilly-division-drones-deployed-23596849
