Tension escalated in Bareilly on Friday as a large crowd gathered following a call from Ittehad-e-Millat Council (IMC) chief Maulana Tauqeer Raza to submit a memorandum to the President of India. The memorandum demands the withdrawal of FIRs filed against Muslims related to the “I Love Muhammad” campaign, which has sparked controversy across the nation.
What began as a peaceful demonstration quickly deteriorated into chaos, prompting a significant police response. Officials reported that police used lathi charges on Bihari Pur Road, located within the Kotwali police station limits. Witnesses described incidents of indiscriminate baton use, while City Police Circle Officer Ashutosh Shivam confirmed the deployment of tear gas to disperse the crowd.
Authorities characterized the gathering as comprising “unruly elements,” but local residents accused police of using excessive force against even peaceful protesters. Although the situation was eventually contained, there remains a heavy police presence throughout Bareilly to avert further unrest.
The escalation followed a late-night social media post circulating an IMC letter that advised people to stay indoors after Friday prayers. Maulana Tauqeer later dismissed the letter as “fake” and a “conspiracy,” asserting his intention to lead a peaceful march to submit the memorandum. He stated, “Whether it is bullets or batons, we will still go to the President with our demands.”
In response, Hindu organizations have called for action against Maulana Tauqeer, alleging that his mobilization efforts threaten communal harmony. District officials, including the District Magistrate and Senior Superintendent of Police, reiterated that no permissions were granted for protests or processions, warning of strict repercussions for violations.
The “I Love Muhammad” campaign, which originated in Kanpur, has extended into multiple districts and states, leading to FIRs against over a thousand Muslims nationwide. Bareilly has emerged as a significant flashpoint amid rising tensions across the country.
Tags: Bareilly protests, Ittehad-e-Millat Council, police crackdown, I Love Muhammad, Uttar Pradesh
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