Bareilly (Uttar Pradesh)

After the massive protests in Bareilly that turned violent, the President of All India Muslim Jamaat, Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Bareilvi, urged the public to avoid attending any events after Friday prayers.

He said, "What happened last Friday was regrettable. And today is Friday again. Therefore, I appeal to all Muslims to go straight home after namaz and concentrate on their work. Do not be part of any crowd. If any person or organisation invites you, avoid attending their events."

He further stated, "Protests, agitations, waving banners, making noise, and shouting slogans are all against the teachings of Prophet Muhammad. He always compromised with his opponents and never created any controversy or tension...Therefore, I appeal to all youth and Muslims to maintain peace and law and order and not take the law into their own hands."

On Friday, September 26, a large group of people gathered outside the Ala Hazrat Dargah and the residence of Maulana Tauqeer Raza Khan, the chief of the Ittehad-e-Millat Council, holding placards that read "I Love Mohammad." They reportedly pelted stones at the police officials and vandalised the vehicles, prompting the police to resort to 'lathi charge' and arrest several of these individuals.

To contain the unrestful situation, the Bareilly administration suspended mobile internet and broadband services for 48 hours, from 3 pm on October 2 to 3 pm on October 4.

Days after the protests, heavy police deployment continues in Uttar Pradesh's Bareilly to maintain law and order. Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Bareilly, AK Sahni, told ANI that the situation in the city was "completely normal," with police engaged in foot patrolling to maintain peace. "The situation is completely normal. Police are conducting a route march and foot patrolling. We are talking to all stakeholders. In view of the festivals, 10 companies of the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC), a Paramilitary force, along with the CRPF and district forces, are deployed here. We appeal to the public to celebrate festivals peacefully," DIG Sahni said.

The senior police official further added that the miscreants responsible for the violence are being identified.  

The cleric announced that the annual 'Julus-e-Gausia', traditionally taken out to mark the Urs of Hazrat Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani, will not be held this year in view of the current situation.

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Instead, a brief programme will be held at 2 pm on Saturday at Sailani Raza Chowk, where clerics will address the gathering, followed by special prayers and 'langar' distribution.

Mufti Ahsan Miyan and Anjuman president Haji Shariq Noori said the decision applies only for this year and the procession will resume with full grandeur next year.