Islamic cleric ‘jail barro’ Andolan leader released, tensions rise in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh

Followers of an Islamic cleric and Ittehad-e-Millat Committee chairman Tauqeer Raza Khan gathered on the streets on Friday, sparking tension in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh. Haldwani incident the night before. Sporadic stone-throwing incidents were reported the next day, followed by a heavy deployment of police and paramilitary personnel.

The cleric was detained by Uttar Pradesh police earlier today and later released.

according to a hindustan times Raza on Thursday called for “Jail Barrow”, asking his supporters to lodge arrests with the police over the Jawapi Masjid brawl.

Meanwhile, the demolition of a madrassa in Haldwani sparked another row, with hundreds of people gathering on the streets after prayers at around 2.30pm on Friday. Markets in different parts of the city remained closed since morning.

About 1,000 police officers are deployed at important intersections, densely populated areas, and entry and exit ports to maintain public order.

Uttar Pradesh Director General of Police (DGP) Prashant Kumar pointed out that an alert was issued in the state after the incident in Hadwani. He further said that all district police chiefs have been asked to exercise caution and deployments have been made in areas bordering Uttarakhand.

Raza Khan on Thursday said he would surrender to arrest in protest against Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s statement in Parliament that Muslims should voluntarily give up their rights to the Varanasi Jawapi Masjid and Mathura Shahi Sovereignty of the Idgah Mosque.