Bareilly in Uttar Pradesh witnessed violent clashes between locals and police on Friday after a proposed demonstration in support of the ‘I Love Muhammad’ campaign was abruptly called off, leading to unrest outside a mosque and in several parts of the city.
Police said large crowds carrying “I Love Muhammad” posters gathered near cleric and Ittehad-e-Millat Council chief Maulana Tauqeer Raza Khan’s residence and the Kotwali mosque after Friday prayers. When officers tried to disperse them, some protesters hurled stones, forcing security personnel to use mild force. More than two dozen people have been detained, and FIRs are being lodged.
Violence broke out outside a mosque adjoining the Islamia ground and near the Dargah-e-Ala Hazrat, the most revered shrine for the Barelvi sect. Protesters attempted to march towards the Islamia Inter College ground but were stopped mid way, triggering stone-pelting and vandalism of vehicles and shops. Visuals showed broken glass, scattered footwear and stones littering the streets. Panic spread as shops shut in areas such as Alamgiriganj, Civil Lines, Bada Bazaar and Bansmandi.
District Magistrate Avinash Singh said section 163 of the BNSS was in force across the district, requiring prior written permission for demonstrations. “Despite this, some people tried to disrupt peace after Friday prayers. Police acted strictly, and the situation is now fully under control,” he said. DIG Ajay Kumar Sahni added that the clashes appeared “pre-planned” and that those responsible would face “exemplary punishment.”
A statement from the Uttar Pradesh government termed the Bareilly violence a “well-planned conspiracy” aimed at creating unrest in western UP and undermining the state’s push for investment and industrial development, including the Noida International Trade Show.
Tauqeer Raza Khan later denied reports of postponing the march, calling them a “conspiracy with police and administration.” He said, “Today, the news printed in newspapers is baseless. I have come to know that this has been done in conspiracy with police and administration. I will follow my earlier announcement. After Friday prayers at Naumahla mosque, we will peacefully submit our memorandum to the President through the DM. If the district administration stops or troubles people, they will be responsible. Our intention is peace, and I appeal to all to join responsibly, as true Muslims and true Indians.”
The ‘I Love Muhammad’ row began on September 9 when police in Kanpur booked nine named and 15 unidentified people for putting up banners with the slogan during a Barawafat procession. Hindu groups objected, calling it a “deliberate provocation.” The controversy has since spread across UP districts, Uttarakhand, Maharashtra, and Karnataka, triggering protests and police action.
The issue has drawn national political reactions. AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi defended the campaign, saying, “What is anti-national about love? Are we promoting violence with love? Posters of birthdays for leaders are allowed, but not this?”
RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav also weighed in, saying, “The BJP is number one in inciting violence. Whenever news comes from UP, it's always of this nature.”
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav condemned the Bareilly police lathicharge, saying, “A government’s display of strength is a sign of its weakness Governments function through harmony and goodwill, not lathicharge.”
According to sources, the BJP’s top leadership has instructed its leaders to remain restrained and avoid any unnecessary statements on the matter. Ministers and party leaders have been told not to comment without permission.
Heavy police deployment continues across Bareilly, with senior officers camping in the Kotwali area to monitor the situation.
Source: ANI