On Sunday (September 21) in Bareilly, a dispute broke out between the police and locals over the removal of banners and posters with the slogan “I Love Muhammad.” The incident took place in the Qila police station area. Station in-charge Subhash Kumar, along with his team, arrived at the spot and directed that posters with “I Love Muhammad” be removed. Members of the Muslim community opposed this. Consequently, this led to an argument with the police.
Meanwhile, a video of Dr Nafees, a supporter of Ittehad-e-Millat Council (IMC) leader and cleric Maulana Tauqeer Raza Khan, went viral on social media. In the video, Dr. Nafees is seen threatening the police inspector. He said that he told the inspector clearly that he would cut off his hand and have his uniform stripped. After the video went viral, Qila police registered a case against Dr Nafees and started an investigation.
Tension and Protests Across Several Districts
The issue of putting up “I Love Muhammad” banners has now spread from Uttar Pradesh to Uttarakhand. Protests have erupted in several districts of Uttar Pradesh, including Kanpur, Unnao, Lucknow, and Bareilly. At some places, the police resorted to lathi-charge, while in others, people pelted stones at the police. In certain areas, peaceful protests were held. Conversely, in several places cases were registered against the demonstrators.
This controversy began during the Barawafat procession. When members of the Muslim community put up banners with this slogan, Hindu organisations objected. This led to disturbances in several locations. Clashes and stone-pelting broke out between police and crowds in some places. Meanwhile, in others, provocative sloganeering and sit-in protests were witnessed. However, in some areas, protests remained peaceful. The police have filed cases in most places and initiated action.
