The Bareilly division of the Uttar Pradesh government has declared a high alert in four districts, such as Bareilly, Shahjahanpur, Pilibhit, and Budaun, before celebrations during Dussehra, officials said on Thursday. To maintain law and order, security personnel such as the police, Provincial Armed Constabulary, and Rapid Action Force have been stationed on the streets, and the aerial checks are being undertaken by drones.
The government has blocked the internet in the Bareilly district to control the spread of rumors and create peace in the area by suspending the internet services for 48 hours, between 3 pm on October 2 and 3 pm on October 4. The suspension consists of mobile internet, broadband, SMS services, and data connections. The government mentioned the possibility of misusing social media applications such as Facebook, YouTube, and WhatsApp when causing community unrest. The relocation is based on the announcement in pursuant of Section 7 of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, and the Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services Rules, 2017. It has informed all telecom operators such as BSNL, Jio, Airtel, and Vodafone-Idea.
Divisional Commissioner Bhupendra S. Chaudhary also urged the public to observe vigilance in all sensitive areas like Ramleela grounds, Durga Puja fairs, and Ravan Dahan venues that attract masses. Officials have been urged to perform their functions with diligence, and failure to do so has met with stern action threatened. The intelligence teams have been taken to the field to keep a close eye on developments.
The increased security is after unrest on September 26, when approximately 2,000 individuals were involved in confrontations with the police outside a mosque in Bareilly after a demonstration was called off over a controversial poster, claiming “I love Muhammad.” There were reports of stone-pelding and other disturbances, and 81 individuals have been arrested over the incident. Officials have ensured foolproof mechanisms are in place to stop any disturbances spilling into other districts so that people can enjoy Dussehra celebrations in a peaceful and safe manner.
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