Uttar Pradesh – Bareilly has been placed on high alert as security measures have been intensified ahead of Friday prayers following last week’s violent clashes linked to the ‘I Love Muhammad’ poster row. The Bareilly Internet Shutdown, which began Thursday afternoon, is aimed at preventing misinformation and controlling tensions. Roads remain deserted, and security personnel are patrolling sensitive zones, ensuring that peace is maintained in the city.
Internet Services Suspended Until Saturday
Authorities confirmed that the Bareilly Internet Shutdown will continue until 3 pm on Saturday, October 4. The shutdown, enforced across four districts of Uttar Pradesh, was announced considering Dussehra festivities and the fragile law and order situation. Internet services, including mobile data, broadband, wireless, and SMS, have been suspended to curb the spread of rumors and inflammatory content on platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp, and YouTube.
The Home Department emphasized that the Bareilly Internet Shutdown is necessary to prevent any misuse of digital platforms that could incite unrest. The suspension, which started at 3 pm on Thursday, has caused a virtual blackout, compelling people to rely on traditional communication methods.
Violence That Triggered the Crisis
The Bareilly Internet Shutdown follows violence that erupted last Friday when over 2,000 protestors clashed with police outside a mosque. The unrest broke out after cleric Tauqeer Raza Khan abruptly cancelled a planned demonstration supporting the ‘I Love Muhammad’ campaign. The sudden withdrawal, attributed to a lack of official permission, angered protestors, who resorted to stone-pelting and aggressive confrontation with security forces.
The clashes led to the arrest of 81 individuals, prompting the administration to take preemptive measures. The Bareilly Internet Shutdown is a direct response to those events, designed to ensure that no similar disturbances erupt this week.
Security Forces Deployed Across Bareilly
In addition to the Bareilly Internet Shutdown, police presence has been scaled up significantly. The city has been divided into four super zones and four special zones, each guarded by forces from the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) and Rapid Action Force (RAF). Drones are being used to monitor crowd movement and prevent gatherings from turning violent.
Senior police officials, including Bareilly SP South Anshika Verma, conducted flag marches in sensitive neighborhoods. Divisional Commissioner Bhupendra S Chaudhary instructed all administrative and security officials to maintain strict vigilance, warning that any negligence will result in disciplinary action.
Preventing Spread of Tensions to Neighboring Districts
The Bareilly Internet Shutdown also extends indirectly to neighboring regions, as authorities have placed Shahjahanpur, Pilibhit, and Budaun under high alert. Armed forces are positioned at strategic locations to prevent unrest from spilling over into nearby areas.
Officials emphasized that the Bareilly Internet Shutdown is only one layer of precaution. Combined with boots on the ground and aerial surveillance, the administration is determined to prevent a repeat of last week’s violence.
Role of Religious Leaders in Appealing for Peace
Amid the Bareilly Internet Shutdown, local religious leaders are urging calm. Maulana Ahsan Razan Khan, the seniormost cleric of Ala Hazrat Dargah, appealed to residents to maintain peace and return home promptly after offering prayers. His message highlights the importance of avoiding provocations and prioritizing communal harmony during this sensitive time.
Such appeals are critical, as they help supplement administrative measures with community cooperation. The Bareilly Internet Shutdown, combined with these peace calls, aims to create an environment where violence can be averted.
Why the Internet Ban Was Seen as Necessary
The Bareilly Internet Shutdown was not a stand-alone measure but a strategic step to prevent the amplification of unrest through social media. Officials noted that previous instances of violence were often fueled by fake news, doctored videos, and provocative messages circulated online.
By halting digital communication, the administration intends to minimize the risk of such triggers. Authorities stressed that while the Bareilly Internet Shutdown causes inconvenience, it is a temporary measure for ensuring public safety.
The Road Ahead
The success of the Bareilly Internet Shutdown will depend on how effectively people cooperate with the restrictions. While frustrations remain due to halted digital services, the greater priority remains preventing loss of life and property.
The administration has signaled that once the sensitive period passes, services will be restored in a phased manner. Until then, the Bareilly Internet Shutdown serves as a reminder of how digital platforms, while powerful, can sometimes aggravate unrest if not carefully managed.
