Shravasti (Uttar Pradesh) [India], September 27 : Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday issued a stern warning following the recent violence in Bareilly ahead of the Hindu festival season of Durga Puja and Diwali.
He cautioned individuals who resort to disorder, arson, and vandalism in the name of religion, particularly during festivals. He specifically addressed those who claim "I Love Muhammad" while engaging in destructive behaviour, questioning their awareness of the ongoing Shardiya Navratri celebrations.
Addressing a public rally in UP's Shravasti, he said, "Some people don't like... Whenever a Hindu festival or celebration arrives, they start feeling the heat, and to cool off, we have to resort to denting and painting...If anyone dares to cause a commotion by protesting on the roads... I am warning, they will have to pay a heavy price for it."
He condemned those who engage in disorderly behaviour, likening them to "Chanda-Munda," and warned that Mother Bhagwati would not tolerate such actions.
"Those people who are taking recourse to disorder, arson, and vandalism by saying 'I Love Muhammad'... Do they know that this is Shardiya Navratri? If you act as 'Chanda-Munda', Mother Bhagwati will never tolerate it," Yogi said, stressing that while enthusiasm during festivals is natural, it must be accompanied by responsibility.
Targeting the perpetrators, he further remarked, "Those people believe in the Taliban system. I want to tell them that their intention of the Taliban system and Darul Islam will not be fulfilled even in paradise. Faith is a matter of the heart, not a subject for public display. You can practice your faith according to your beliefs, and no one will object. However, if you cause destruction, arson, or attack innocent people in the name of faith, we won't spare you."
At least ten policemen were injured on Friday when a protest in Bareilly turned violent, with mobs pelting stones at security personnel after afternoon prayers.
Uttar Pradesh Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Range Ajay Kumar Sahni said on Saturday that Maulana Tauqeer Raza, a cleric, is the main conspirator of the violence that ensued in Uttar Pradesh's Bareilly on September 26 after several protestors gathered in support of the 'I love Muhammad' campaign.
He has been arrested and sent to judicial custody after he was identified as a key conspirator. He further said that 10 FIRs have been registered, and 39 individuals have been identified in connection with the violence.
The official added that 22 police officers were injured in clashes involving firing and stone-pelting. A group of people pelted stones during a protest after Friday prayers in Bareilly, prompting the police to resort to a lathi charge and detain several of them. Protestors had gathered outside the Ala Hazrat Dargah and the residence of Ittehad-e-Millat Council chief Maulana Tauqeer Raza Khan, holding placards that read "I Love Mohammad."
As the group's members gathered after Jumma Namaz, around 80-90% dispersed after a flag march by the police, who aimed to enforce the Section 163 order.
A smaller group, however, attempted to march towards Islamia Inter College, prompting the police to use force to prevent a potential law and order situation. The swift police action was aimed at maintaining peace and preventing any affray.