Bareilly turned into a fortress on Friday as security was tightened across sensitive areas ahead of congregational prayers, just a week after the city was rocked by violent clashes.
District Magistrate Avnish Singh and Senior Superintendent of Police Anurag Arya patrolled the city with heavy force since morning, while clerics from the Ala Hazrat Dargah appealed to residents to maintain peace. Internet services remained suspended, and only a few people were seen in the markets.
The unrest began on September 26 when locals clashed with police following Friday prayers after a proposed protest over the “I Love Muhammad” posters was cancelled. Several people were injured in the violence. Police have so far registered 10 FIRs, booked hundreds of mostly unidentified suspects, and arrested over 70 people, including cleric Tauqeer Raza Khan, his aides, and relatives.
Authorities said they have divided the city into four super zones and eight zones for tighter monitoring, with additional IPS officers deployed. Heavy police and paramilitary forces were stationed outside key mosques including Nau Mahal Masjid, Ala Hazrat Dargah, Azam Nagar Masjid, and Baradari mosque. Drone cameras were also deployed for surveillance.
Markets in Roadways Bazaar, Kutubkhana, Shivaji Marg, Alamgirganj, Sarafa, Sahmatganj, and Qila Bazaar opened but lacked the usual hustle, with shopkeepers prepared to shut down at the first sign of unrest.
Clerics appealed for calm, with Sajjadanashin of Ala Hazrat Dargah, Mufti Ahsan Miyan, urging people not to believe in rumours and to return home peacefully after prayers. In light of the tense situation, the annual ‘Julus-e-Gausia’ procession has been cancelled this year and replaced by a small programme with prayers and langar at Sailani Raza Chowk on Saturday. Organisers clarified that the traditional procession will resume next year.
