Bareilly, Sep 27 (NationPress) A scheduled sit-in demonstration by Muslim clerics in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, after Friday prayers escalated into turmoil yesterday, yet on Saturday, the city exhibited a much calmer environment.

In the wake of the unrest, both civic and security measures have been intensified to restore normalcy.

The protest was initiated in reaction to purported derogatory comments regarding the Prophet. Following Friday prayers, a significant crowd assembled, many displaying placards stating “I love Mohammed.”

Tensions surged when protestors allegedly began hurling stones at law enforcement. Consequently, police executed a lathi charge to disperse the crowd and re-establish order. Reports indicate that over 1,000 demonstrators gathered near Islamia Ground, damaging vehicles and assaulting police lines. The confrontation resulted in injuries to at least 10 police officers and led to the apprehension of approximately 50 participants.

The “I love Mohammed” slogan first emerged during a procession in Kanpur on September 4, sparking protests across numerous states. In Bareilly, cleric Maulana Tauqeer Raza had called for the sit-in at Islamia Ground, prompting authorities to conduct a flag march before Friday to prevent disturbances.

In stark contrast to Friday’s violence, today’s atmosphere in Bareilly has remained predominantly tranquil. The municipal corporation has begun a clean-up operation to remove debris from the streets.

Items discarded during the protest, such as sandals and other materials left behind by unruly elements, were collected and disposed of.

For security purposes, police forces continue to be stationed along routes leading to Maulana Tauqeer’s residence, ensuring tight surveillance and monitoring of movements.

The escalation in Bareilly reflects broader tensions surrounding religious expression in public areas. Amidst the chaos, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi questioned the suppression of free speech, inquiring, “Why were individuals being prohibited from expressing their affection for Prophet Mohammed?” He defended the slogan as “merely an expression of free speech.”

Authorities had already prepared for potential unrest by placing the district under Section 163, which prohibits protests without official approval. Nevertheless, the protest proceeded, becoming volatile within hours.

Officials in Bareilly now confront the dual challenge of upholding communal harmony while balancing the right to expression with the need to maintain public order. With tensions heightened and emotions intense, further statements or counter-protests may ensue in the upcoming days.