Bareilly, Oct 2 (NationPress) In anticipation of Friday prayers, Bareilly District Magistrate Avinash Singh stated on Thursday that the administration is on high alert, ensuring that incidents resembling the violence of September 26 will not reoccur. The unrest was triggered by the 'I Love Muhammad' campaign, and the district is implementing the government’s zero-tolerance policy to maintain peace.

In a conversation regarding the preparations for Friday, Singh informed IANS that security personnel are on high alert, and law enforcement responded swiftly during last week’s turmoil.

“Last Friday, some outside elements attempted to instigate unrest in Bareilly and disrupt law and order. However, the police managed to control the situation within one to two hours and arrested the offenders. Further legal actions are ongoing. We are on complete alert,” he conveyed to IANS.

Singh emphasized that district officials are collaborating with religious leaders from various communities to maintain harmony.

“We are engaging with spiritual leaders of all faiths, addressing their concerns, and sharing our strategies. I urge the residents of Bareilly that this is our district, and we require the assistance of every citizen. If you witness any suspicious activities, please report them to the control room,” he added.

The DM cautioned against the spread of rumors and advised residents not to pay them any heed.

“If anyone propagates false information, do not engage. Notify us about those spreading untruths so that strict measures can be enforced. We aim to ensure that Friday prayers are conducted peacefully, and I am confident that will be achieved,” Singh assured.

He mentioned that surveillance through CCTVs and drone technology is being utilized to monitor potential trouble areas and external provocateurs.

“As our government adheres to a zero-tolerance stance on such issues, we will enforce it within this district. No innocent individuals will face harassment, but those guilty and external instigators will face consequences. These offenders have no religious affiliation — they are criminals, deserving of imprisonment. We will ensure that stringent actions are taken to convey a message to future generations,” he told IANS.

The Bareilly riots erupted on September 26 after Friday prayers when a large crowd gathered, brandishing placards and posters stating 'I Love Muhammad' while chanting slogans. The demonstrators were marching toward the Islamia Ground and the Khalil School Chowk.

Police instructed the crowd to disperse as they began chanting 'Nara-e-Taqbeer', but the protesters did not comply. Tensions escalated, and the situation turned chaotic, with some individuals reportedly hurling stones at the police, prompting a baton charge by the authorities.

The baton charge resulted in a stampede-like scenario, causing disorder in the area. During the chaos, rioters damaged at least two motorcycles and targeted a local shop. Following police intervention, the crowd eventually scattered, leaving behind slippers, shoes, and stones scattered over a 200-meter radius near Khalil Tiraha.

On September 27, Tauqeer Raza, a local cleric and head of the Ittehad-e-Millat Council, was arrested. His endorsement of the 'I Love Muhammad' campaign had incited unrest in Bareilly. Authorities reported a large crowd assembled outside his home after a video he shared supporting the campaign went viral. The gathering grew, raising concerns of further disturbances in the vicinity.

Tauqeer Raza is currently in 14 days of judicial custody as officials continue to monitor the situation closely to avert further flare-ups.

The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) denounced the arrest of Maulana Tauqeer Raza Khan and others following the unrest in Bareilly. In a statement released on Tuesday, the Board called for their immediate release and criticized the handling of the situation by the Uttar Pradesh government.