Bareilly, India, Oct 3: Authorities in northern India tightened security and suspended internet services across four districts on Friday ahead of congregational prayers in Bareilly, where violent clashes broke out last week over an “I Love Muhammad” campaign.
Bareilly, in Uttar Pradesh state, witnessed unrest when about 2,000 protesters clashed with police after a cleric cancelled a planned demonstration outside a mosque. At least 81 people were arrested in the aftermath, police said.
Internet, broadband, mobile data and SMS services have been suspended in Bareilly, Shahjahanpur, Pilibhit and Budaun districts until 3 p.m. on Saturday, a government order said. Officials said the measure aimed to prevent rumours and inflammatory content circulating on social media during Dussehra festivities.
Police, Provincial Armed Constabulary and Rapid Action Force personnel have been deployed across Bareilly, with drones monitoring sensitive areas. The city has been divided into four “super zones” and four “special zones” to manage security, senior superintendent of police Anurag Arya said.
“All district officials must discharge their responsibilities seriously. Any lapse will invite stern action,” divisional commissioner Bhupendra S. Chaudhary told reporters.
Religious leaders have also been asked to return home after offering Friday prayers, and Maulana Ahsan Razan Khan, the senior cleric of the Ala Hazrat Dargah, appealed for peace.
The unrest stems from a call by cleric Tauqeer Raza Khan for a march in support of the “I Love Muhammad” poster campaign. When he abruptly cancelled the event, citing lack of permission, the crowd turned violent, leading to stone-pelting and clashes with security forces.
Officials said neighbouring districts remain on high alert to prevent any spillover of violence.
