Bareilly: Religious tensions flare as Bara vafat blocked by Hindu group

Officers on the ground have been actively engaging with representatives from both sides, initiating discussions to de-escalate the standoff.

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Top Indian News Desk
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Baravafat procession in Bareilly. (X/SachinGuptaUP)

New Delhi: A Bara vafat procession in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, was halted for several hours on account of a standoff between two religious communities. The issue arose when a group from the Hindu community blocked the route of the Muslim Bara vafat procession, citing a previous incident during the Kanwar Yatra. According to reports, the Hindu side claimed that their Kanwar Yatra was not allowed to pass through this same route earlier, and in response, they are now preventing the Baravafat procession from proceeding.

Aiming for peaceful resolution

The blockade has led to heightened tensions in the area, with members of both communities steadfast in their positions. The situation remains delicate as both groups stand their ground, with the Hindu community insisting that the Bara vafat procession should not be allowed to continue through the contested route.

Local police authorities are working diligently to mediate between the two communities, aiming for a peaceful resolution to the standoff that has halted the Bara vafat procession in Bareilly. As tensions run high, law enforcement is striving to prevent the situation from escalating into a broader conflict, mindful of the delicate communal balance in the region. Watch the video here:

Goal of fostering mutual understanding

Officers on the ground have been actively engaging with representatives from both sides, initiating discussions to de-escalate the standoff. Their goal is to foster an atmosphere of dialogue and mutual understanding, encouraging both groups to move past their grievances and find a compromise. The police are emphasizing the importance of maintaining public order and are urging both communities to refrain from any actions that could provoke further unrest.

In their mediation efforts, the authorities are also highlighting the significance of allowing religious processions to proceed peacefully, reminding both sides of their responsibilities to uphold civic harmony.

The standoff reflects ongoing tensions between communities over the use of public spaces for religious processions, particularly when past grievances resurface. As police continue their efforts to diffuse the situation, the Baravafat procession remains at a standstill, awaiting resolution.