Post by : Rameen Ariff

Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh: Tauqeer Raza, a local cleric and chief of the Ittehad-e-Millat Council, was arrested on Saturday following violent protests triggered by his support for the 'I Love Muhammad' campaign. The protests erupted after Raza posted a video endorsing the campaign, leading to a large crowd gathering outside his residence.

Officials confirmed that prior permission for any procession or public gathering had not been granted. Despite clear instructions from authorities under Section 163 of the BNSS, some protesters tried to march after Friday prayers, causing tensions in Bareilly. Senior police officers stated that while most participants dispersed peacefully, a section of the crowd attempted to disturb law and order, resulting in clashes. Seven additional individuals were also arrested, and over 40 people were taken into custody. A case has been filed against approximately 1,700 unidentified individuals under sections related to rioting, obstruction of government work, and assault on police personnel.

During the protests, police resorted to a lathi charge to control stone-pelting demonstrators, leaving 10 policemen injured. Videos from the scene showed crowds holding placards with 'I Love Muhammad' slogans, raising concerns over public safety and communal harmony.

This incident is part of a larger controversy that began on September 4 during the Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi procession in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, when a 'I Love Muhammad' poster was displayed at a location significant to Hindu festivals like Ram Navami. The display sparked nationwide unrest, including clashes and stone-pelting incidents in Gujarat, Karnataka, and several districts of Uttar Pradesh, with counter-campaigns such as 'I Love Mahadev' emerging in response.

District authorities and senior officials have directed law enforcement in Bareilly to take strict measures against those disrupting peace. The arrest of Tauqeer Raza highlights the challenges of maintaining communal harmony amid provocative campaigns and underscores the importance of following legal procedures for public gatherings.

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