High alert in Bareilly: Shops reopened in key markets, but usual crowds stayed away as locals remained wary of possible unrest and disruptions.
Bareilly: Due to previous communal turmoil and the impending Dussehra celebrations, authorities in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, have issued a high alert and implemented unprecedented security measures. Following violent riots in the city last week, religious leaders have called for peace, internet services have been suspended, and police have been heavily deployed.
Bareilly: For 48 hours, internet services are unavailable.
The state home department declared that from 3:00 pm on Thursday, October 2, to 3:00 pm on Saturday, October 4, all mobile internet, SMS, broadband, and data services in the Bareilly area would be suspended.
Citing concerns that social media sites like Facebook, WhatsApp, and YouTube could be abused to spread rumors or incite violence during the festivals, Home Secretary Gaurav Dayal said the decision was made in accordance with Section 7 of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 and the Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services Rules, 2017.
Large-scale security implementation
- The government has increased security in Budaun, Pilibhit, Shahjahanpur, and Bareilly.
- Sensitive sites are being patrolled by RAF, PAC, and police personnel.
- Drones are being utilized to keep an eye on crowds and activity near Ravan Dahan locations, Durga Puja festivals, and Ramleela grounds
- With the assistance of four IPS officials assigned from other districts, the city has been split up into eight security zones and four super zones.
- SSP Anurag Arya and District Magistrate Avinash Singh have been on patrol constantly, visiting with locals and advising them to be calm.
Religious leaders call for harmony.
In a significant move, Dargah Ala Hazrat clerics declared that scheduled religious processions will not take place in order to prevent escalation. The Gyarvi Sharif procession that was supposed to take place on October 4 has been canceled, according to spokesperson Nasir Qureshi, who also advised followers to worship quietly at home.
“Peace must be preserved at all costs,” stated Ala Hazrat Dargah Sajjadanashin Mufti Ahsan Miyan, who advised worshippers not to believe rumors.
In the midst of tensions, he also declared that the yearly ‘Urs’ procession, known as Julus-e-Gausia, would not take place. Rather, Sailani Raza Chowk will host a small event that includes prayers and langar distribution.
Recent altercations and detentions
The violence on September 26, when about 2,000 people fought with police in Bareilly’s Kotwali district following Friday prayers, is what prompted the increased alert. After a protest over the divisive “I Love Muhammad” posters was called off, the turmoil broke out. Numerous people were hurt in the reported turmoil and stone-pelting.
Police have since filed 10 FIRs and taken 81 persons into custody, including cleric Tauqeer Raza Khan and his assistants, Farman Khan, the son of Ittehad-e-Millat Council (IMC) chief Nafees Khan, and others.
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What is the actual situation?
Parts of Bareilly, including as Roadways Bazaar, Kutubkhana, Shivaji Marg, Alamgirganj, and Sarafa, saw a cautious reopening of their markets, while foot traffic remained low due to concerns about fresh violence. Store owners kept their shutters partially open so they could swiftly close them if tensions increased.
The situation was under control, DIG Bareilly AK Sahni promised. Local police, CRPF battalions, and ten PAC companies are on duty. He stated that route marches and foot patrols are in place throughout the city.
Notwithstanding the limitations, locals were observed assisting authorities and receptively to requests from clerics and government representatives to preserve peace during the holiday season.