Security has been tightened in Bareilly, Shahjahanpur, Pilibhit, and Budaun amid Dussehra celebrations after recent clashes over the 'I Love Muhammad' poster row. Police, PAC, RAF, and drones have been deployed to monitor sensitive areas, prevent violence, and maintain communal harmony
Security personnel walk past during a route march on the eve of the ‘Dussehra’ festival, in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh. Pic/PTI
Amid extremely critical situations in the Bareilly division, the security across the region has been beefed up. As reported by news agency PTI, heavy deployment of forces across four districts of the Bareilly division with police, PAC, and RAF personnel are vigilant on the streets.
Officials, while asserting about the security, said that we have also deployed drones in the air on Thursday in view of Dussehra.
The strong security set-up across the region comes in view of safeguarding the situation that might lead to a violent protest. On September 26, a gathering of around 2,000 people outside a mosque in the Kotwali area after Friday prayers led to a confrontation with police, involving stone-pelting.
The next day, on September 27, police conducted overnight raids, made arrests, and deployed forces to control the situation. While the authorities also monitored social media to curb attempts at disturbing communal harmony.
The unrest was triggered by the cancellation of a protest over the 'I Love Muhammad' poster row called by cleric Tauqeer Khan.
Divisional Commissioner Bhupendra S Chaudhary has issued a high alert for Bareilly, Shahjahanpur, Pilibhit, and Budaun districts, as reported by news agency PTI.
Police have been asked to be vigilant at Ramlila grounds, Durga Puja fairs and the Ravan Dahan programmes, which draw a massive footfall.
Bhupendra S Chaudhary further said that, "All district magistrates, deputy collectors, police and administrative officials must discharge their responsibilities seriously. Any lapse will invite stern action," as cited by news agency PTI.
Officials said intelligence agencies, too, have been put on alert and teams deployed in the field.
Asserting about the critical situation in Uttar Pradesh, the officials said, "Armed police forces are being positioned at sensitive locations. We are ensuring foolproof arrangements so that the disturbances witnessed in Bareilly do not spill over to neighbouring districts," as cited by news agency ANI.
Till Wednesday, 81 people had been arrested in connection with the September 26 violence that broke out in view of the ‘I love Mohammed’ protest. Following the clashes in Bareilly, tension further erupted in Faizullaganj village in Barabanki district also.
(With inputs from PTI)
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
