Bareilly Extends Internet Blackout After Clashes Over ‘I Love Muhammad’ Protest
Services are suspended for another day as police investigate violence and file rioting cases.
Internet services in Bareilly will remain suspended until midnight on Tuesday, September 30, following an extension ordered by the district administration in response to violent clashes last Friday. The decision, detailed in a government order, aims to prevent further unrest after tensions flared over a denied demonstration permit, reflecting ongoing efforts to maintain public order in the communally sensitive region.
The violence erupted in central Bareilly when locals clashed with police over permission to hold a demonstration supporting the 'I Love Muhammad' campaign, a global social media movement advocating religious expression that has sparked controversy in several countries, including India. The confrontation led to significant law enforcement action, with police filing 10 FIRs against 180 named individuals and approximately 2,500 unidentified persons on charges of rioting and related offences. On Saturday, around 40 people, including local cleric Tauqeer Raza Khan, who allegedly organised the protest, were arrested.
To curb the potential spread of inflammatory content, the Uttar Pradesh Home Department, led by Secretary Gaurav Dayal, ordered the suspension of SMS, mobile internet, and broadband services across all providers starting Saturday. The notification highlighted concerns that platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, and YouTube could be used to share provocative images, videos, or texts, risking further escalation of the "serious law and order situation" that could lead to loss of life and property. The extension of the internet blackout underscores the administration’s focus on restoring calm.
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Bareilly, a city with a history of communal tensions, has seen similar internet suspensions during periods of unrest, a tactic often criticised for restricting communication and access to information. As investigations continue, local authorities are urging community leaders to foster dialogue to prevent further violence, while residents await the restoration of services and a return to normalcy.
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