Lucknow, Sep 26 (NationPress) In the wake of a police lathi charge on Muslim demonstrators in Bareilly after Friday prayers during the ongoing ‘I Love Muhammad’ campaign, the Samajwadi Party has raised questions about the BJP's objections to the slogan. Both a Mahant (Hindu spiritual leader) and a Maulana have expressed that if such slogans are employed for political advantage, it is inappropriate.

In an interview with IANS, Samajwadi Party leader Ravidas Mehrotra condemned the police's actions, stating, “The police forcefully lathi-charged the crowd, leading to numerous injuries. The BJP is inciting hatred throughout the state. If some individuals express, ‘I love Muhammad,’ what is the issue? Everyone should be free to say ‘I Love Muhammad,’ ‘I Love Krishna,’ or ‘Jai Shri Ram.’ I also express ‘I Love Muhammad.' Why does the BJP have an issue with that? We advocate for respect among all religions.”

In response to the unrest, Hindu religious leader Raju Das stated, “In Bareilly, crowds hurled stones at the police, prompting a lathi charge. If you hold faith in Muhammad, maintain that belief. However, responding with violence after Namaz is unacceptable. The UP Police will act decisively. Shouldn't love for your country and locality prevail? Does Islam endorse such conduct?”

Maulana Chaudhry Ifrahim Hussain provided a more nuanced perspective, saying, “While there is nothing wrong with expressing ‘Nara-e-Takbeer,’ using such slogans for political motives is inappropriate. If someone professes ‘I Love Muhammad’ but does not embody that love in their actions, it becomes mere political propaganda. Creating unrest for political purposes is unjustifiable. I’m not suggesting that people shouldn’t express ‘I Love Muhammad,’ but taking to the streets and shouting slogans for political gain is unacceptable,” he remarked to IANS.

As of now, cases have been filed, and legal actions are in progress following a riot in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, triggered by a procession carrying “I Love Muhammad” posters and placards that defied police orders to disperse, according to DIG Bareilly, Ajay Sahni.

After Friday prayers, a significant number of individuals marched through the streets with placards and posters stating “I Love Muhammad” while chanting slogans as they advanced towards Islamia Ground and Khalil School Chowk. The police resorted to force when the crowd, shouting “Nara-e-Taqbeer”, failed to disperse despite orders.

As the crowd approached these locations, tensions escalated. The police attempted to intervene, but the crowd turned disorderly. Soon, stones were thrown at the police, exacerbating the situation. The police responded with a baton charge, which led to a stampede-like atmosphere and widespread chaos.

During the protest, rioters vandalized at least two motorcycles and targeted a shop. To manage the unrest, police executed a baton charge, leading to the crowd's dispersal.

Items such as slippers, shoes, and stones were strewn across a 200-meter radius around Khalil Tiraha.

Upon receiving reports of the escalating situation, DIG Sahni, the City Superintendent of Police, and other senior officials promptly arrived at the scene. A flag march was conducted to restore order and prevent further disturbances. Currently, a robust police presence is deployed in the area, and the situation is reported to be stable.

In a statement to the media, DIG Sahni confirmed, “A case has been filed, and legal measures are being taken.”

Ittehad-e-Millat Council (IMC) chief Maulana Tauqeer Raza Khan had announced on September 26 that a gathering would convene at Islamia Ground after Friday prayers and march towards the Collectorate. Following this announcement, members of the Muslim community gathered across the city post prayers.

To preempt any protests, a substantial police contingent was deployed citywide. The police administration assigned 4,700 police and PAC personnel, led by five Additional Superintendents and 13 Circle Officers (COs), to secure the area. Additionally, CCTV and drone surveillance were implemented.