Bareilly, October 2 (IANS) beyond Friday’s prayer, Bareilly District Magistrate Avinash Singh said on Thursday that the administration is fully cautious and assured that the incidents of violence of 26 September would not be allowed to be re -allowed. He said that the ‘I Love Muhammad’ campaign was followed, and the district is implementing the government’s zero sotallence policy to ensure peace.
Addressing Friday preparations, Singh told IANS that the security forces are vigilant and the law enforcement worked fast during the last week’s unrest.
“Last Friday, some external elements tried to create unrest in Bareilly and violate the law and order. Within one to two hours, the police controlled the situation and the criminals were arrested. Further action is going on. We are completely alert,” he told IANS.
Singh further said that the district officials are engaged with religious leaders of all communities to keep calm.
“We are talking with the spiritual leaders of all religions. We are listening to their concerns and sharing their plans with them. I urge the people of Bareilly, this is your district and we need help from every citizen. If you hear about any such incident, please inform the control room,” he said.
The DM warned against the rumors and urged the residents not to give them credibility.
Singh said, “If someone is spreading rumors, do not pay attention. Inform us about those who can take strict action.
He said that monitoring by using CCTV and drone cameras is being done to monitor possible places and external actors.
“As our government has a zero sholly tolerance policy on such matters, we will maintain it in this district. No innocent person will be harassed, but those who will not be spared to criminals and external inciting. These misconducts have no caste or religion – they will tell criminals.
On September 26, Bareilly riots took place after Friday’s prayers, when a large group of people took to the streets and reading the poster and poster reading ‘I Love Muhammad’, while chanting slogans. The crowd was hitting Islamia Ground and Khalil School Chowk.
The police asked to disperse the mob, when they began chanting “Nara-e-Takbir”, but the protesters did not comply with. The tension increased, and the crowd became uncontrolled. Some individuals reportedly started stoning the police, indicating a baton charge by the authorities.
The baton charge caused a stampede -like situation, causing chaos in the surrounding area. During unrest, the rioters vandalized at least two motorcycles and targeted a local shop. After the intervention of the police, the mob eventually dispersed the crowd, scattered slippers, shoes and stones scattered within a 200 meter radius near Khalil Tiraha.
On 27 September, Tauqir Raza, a local cleric and head of ITTEHAD-E-Millat Council, were arrested. His support for the ‘I Love Muhammad’ campaign created unrest in Bareilly. Officials said that after a video gathered outside his residence, he supported the campaign, went viral. The assembly was swollen, increasing the concerns of further disturbances in the region.
Tauqir Raza is in 14 days judicial custody as the officials closely monitor the situation to prevent further provoking.
The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) condemned the arrest after the Bareilly unrest of Maulana Tauqir Raza Khan and others. In a statement issued on Tuesday, the board demanded its immediate release and criticized the Uttar Pradesh government to deal with the situation.
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