Internet and messaging services have been suspended in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh amid tension over ‘I Love Muhammad’ protests in the region. On Thursday, the authorities increased the security in view of Dussehra celebration and the authorities also ordered suspending internet services in Bareilly district for 48 hours, officials said.
A state home department notification mentioned that mobile internet, broadband and SMS services will remain suspended in Bareilly from 3 pm on October 2 to 3 pm on October 4. Apart from this, Divisional Commissioner Bhupendra S Chaudhary has issued a high alert for Bareilly, Shahjahanpur, Pilibhit and Budaun districts.
In his order, Home Secretary Gaurav Dayal said in an order that there is a possibility of social media platforms, such as Facebook, YouTube and WhatsApp, and messaging services being misused to spread rumours and incite communal tension and the decision to suspend internet services was taken to maintain peace and public order.
“During the said period, all SMS services of mobile service providers, mobile internet and data services, as well as broadband connections or wireless, will remain suspended. The directive has been issued under section 7 of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, and the Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency or Public Safety) Rules, 2017,” the notification read.
All officials and telecom operators have been informed about the decision. Meanwhile, Bareilly DM Avneesh Singh has appealed to people not to pay heed to rumours and to maintain peace.
Official order warns against lapses
The Divisional Commissioner has ordered the officials to discharge their duties responsibly, as police, Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) and Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel conduct march on the streets. Police have been asked to be vigilant at Ramleela grounds, Durga Puja fairs and Ravan Dahan programmes, which draw a massive footfall.
“All district magistrates, deputy collectors, police and administrative officials must discharge their responsibilities seriously. Any lapse will invite stern action,” Chaudhary said, quoted PTI. Intelligence agencies have also been put on alert and teams deployed in the field.
“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,” an official said.
What happened in Bareilly?
The Friday prayers on September 26 went violent following a confrontation between police and about 2,000 people who had gathered outside a mosque in the Kotwali area in the district. The gathering was called by cleric Tauqeer Khan in support of “I Love Muhammad” poster row.
This led to stone pelting, arson and violence, and the police arrested a total of 81 people so far.