Internet services have been suspended in Bareilly for 48 hours starting 3 pm on Thursday, officials told news agency PTI, following heightened security measures across the division ahead of Dussehra after unrest over the ‘I Love Muhammad’ poster row.
Authorities had, earlier in the day, beefed up security in four districts of the Bareilly division, Bareilly, Shahjahanpur, Pilibhit, and Budaun, deploying police, PAC, and RAF personnel on the streets and using drones for aerial surveillance.
According to a notification issued by the home department, mobile internet, broadband and SMS services in the district will remain suspended from 3 pm on October 2 till 3 pm on October 4.
Internet suspended, security beefed up in Bareilly
Home Secretary Gaurav Dayal said in the 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.
He added that the step was taken to maintain peace and public order.
The alert follows violence on September 26, when around 2,000 people gathered outside a mosque in the Kotwali area after Friday prayers.
The gathering escalated into a confrontation with police, involving stone-pelting. The unrest was triggered by the cancellation of a protest called by cleric Tauqeer Khan over the ‘I Love Muhammad’ poster controversy.
Also Read: High alert in Bareilly division, drones deployed
Divisional Commissioner Bhupendra S Chaudhary issued strict instructions, asking all district magistrates, deputy collectors, police, and administrative officials to “discharge their responsibilities seriously. Any lapse will invite stern action.”
Officials said authorities will remain vigilant at Ramlila grounds, Durga Puja fairs, and Ravan Dahan programmes, which attract large crowds. Intelligence agencies have been put on alert, with field teams deployed to monitor sensitive areas.
An official added, “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.”
Till Wednesday, 81 people had been arrested in connection with the September 26 violence.
Authorities had, earlier in the day, beefed up security in four districts of the Bareilly division, Bareilly, Shahjahanpur, Pilibhit, and Budaun, deploying police, PAC, and RAF personnel on the streets and using drones for aerial surveillance.
According to a notification issued by the home department, mobile internet, broadband and SMS services in the district will remain suspended from 3 pm on October 2 till 3 pm on October 4.
Internet suspended, security beefed up in Bareilly
Home Secretary Gaurav Dayal said in the 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.
He added that the step was taken to maintain peace and public order.
The alert follows violence on September 26, when around 2,000 people gathered outside a mosque in the Kotwali area after Friday prayers.
The gathering escalated into a confrontation with police, involving stone-pelting. The unrest was triggered by the cancellation of a protest called by cleric Tauqeer Khan over the ‘I Love Muhammad’ poster controversy.
Also Read: High alert in Bareilly division, drones deployed
Divisional Commissioner Bhupendra S Chaudhary issued strict instructions, asking all district magistrates, deputy collectors, police, and administrative officials to “discharge their responsibilities seriously. Any lapse will invite stern action.”
Officials said authorities will remain vigilant at Ramlila grounds, Durga Puja fairs, and Ravan Dahan programmes, which attract large crowds. Intelligence agencies have been put on alert, with field teams deployed to monitor sensitive areas.
An official added, “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.”
Till Wednesday, 81 people had been arrested in connection with the September 26 violence.
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