‘I Love Muhammad’ row: Internet services to remain suspended for 48 hours in Bareilly

The Uttar Pradesh government has ordered a 48-hour suspension of internet services in Bareilly as a precautionary measure during Dussehra amid the ‘I love Muhammad’ row.

Security has been intensified across all four districts of Bareilly division, with drones deployed for aerial surveillance.

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Meanwhile, PAC and RAF personnel have been stationed on the streets to maintain law and order.

As per the order issued by the Uttar Pradesh Home Department, SMS services, mobile internet, and broadband services will remain suspended from 3 pm on October 2 to 3 pm on October 4.

In the order, Home Secretary Gaurav Dayal told media that there is a possibility that social media platforms, such as Facebook, YouTube, and WhatsApp, as well as messaging services, may be misused to spread rumours and incite communal tension. The step was taken to maintain peace and public order, he added.

On September 26, there was a clash between police and about 2,000 people, who had gathered outside a mosque in the Kotwali area after Friday prayers. Stone-pelting was also reported.

The confrontation was triggered by the cancellation of a protest over the ‘I Love Muhammad’ poster, which had been called by cleric Tauqeer Khan.