CM Yogi Adityanath Warns: Bareilly Violence Over 'I Love Mohammad' Poster Will Face Strong Action

'I Love Muhammad' row:  Tensions are mounting in Uttar Pradesh ahead of the festive season. The "I Love Muhammad" poster controversy escalated into violence after Friday prayers in Bareilly. Amid stone-pelting, vandalism, and chaos, police resorted to lathicharge and tear gas to control the crowd. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has warned that "the culprits will not be spared under any circumstances."

Thousands of people gathered near the Islamia Ground in Bareilly and began shouting slogans. The crowd quickly became violent and began pelting police with stones. Several vehicles were damaged, and reports of gunfire also emerged. According to police, at least 10 officers were injured in the violence. To bring the situation under control, police used force and fired tear gas.

What is the root of the dispute?

This protest was against the FIR filed by Kanpur police on September 4th regarding the "I Love Mohammad" sign posted during the Barawafat procession. Maulana Tauqeer Raza Khan had called for a procession to submit a memorandum to the Prime Minister. Despite the administration denying permission, a large crowd gathered, leading to a heated argument. Police have detained approximately 50 people, including Maulana Tauqeer Raza, and FIRs are being filed in several police stations.

Yogi government's tough stance

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has stated that anyone spreading rumors or inciting tension ahead of Dussehra will not be spared. He has ordered officials to identify and immediately arrest troublemakers through social media and video footage. Yogi also stated that "Dussehra marks the end of evil, so it is the right time to take action against troublemakers." Additionally, under Mission Shakti 5.0, strict monitoring has been ordered for women's safety and during events like Garba and Dandiya.

Appeals from leaders and the growing controversy

Following the violence, several religious and political leaders appealed for peace. Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi, head of the All India Muslim Jamaat, said, "The Prophet of Islam's true message is peace, so hurting anyone or taking the law into one's own hands is wrong." Meanwhile, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi questioned, "If posters can be put up celebrating the birthdays of Prime Ministers and Chief Ministers, why object to 'I Love Mohammad'?" 

The spark that arose in Bareilly has now spread to Mau, Varanasi, Uttarakhand, Bihar, Karnataka, and Maharashtra. In many places, police stopped processions and detained people.