Bareilly Internet Shutdown After “I Love Muhammad” Poster Protests
In a move to stem communal tension, Bareilly internet shutdown was enforced for 48 hours beginning Thursday afternoon. The suspension, lasting until Saturday at 3 PM, follows violent clashes after protests over “I Love Muhammad” posters. This blackout coincides with Dussehra and Durga Puja functions, prompting authorities to brace for trouble.
Tensions Erupt After Poster Controversy
Earlier, approximately 2,000 protestors gathered outside a mosque in the town’s Kotwali area following Friday prayers. The protest, sparked by cleric Tauqeer Khan over the controversial posters, escalated rapidly. Stone‑pelting erupted when police tried to disperse the crowd. The sudden flareup prompted officials to enforce the Bareilly internet shutdown to prevent rumors and communal escalation.
The district administration, in its order, cited fear that platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, and YouTube could enable rumors or incitement. “We opted for suspension to maintain peace,” the order stated. Meanwhile, security forces intensified their presence: local police teamed up with Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) and Rapid Action Force. Drones patrolled vulnerable zones, and alerts extended to nearby districts including Shahjahanpur, Pilibhit and Budaun.
So far, 81 people have been arrested in connection with the violence, and officials have demolished property linked to the accused. In a related incident, two suspects were arrested after an encounter in CB Ganj where they sustained bullet injuries and now remain hospitalized in custody. Authorities have lodged 10 FIRs naming 180 individuals and flagged at least 2,500 unnamed persons. Key figure Tauqeer Raza Khan, many of his aides, and at least one family member are already in jail.
Can Shutdown Control Chaos?
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath warned that rioters would face severe consequences. Yet, critics argue that suspending internet access infringes on civil liberties and may aggravate distrust. The success of this strategy depends on whether tensions ease or flare further during festival days under blackout conditions.
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