Tensions flared in Bareilly on Friday as stones were hurled following the detention of prominent Barelvi cleric, Maulana Tauqeer Raza, by local authorities. The detention came in response to Raza’s call for a ‘jail bharo’ (fill the jails) protest, rallying against perceived injustices towards Muslims in the country, particularly concerning recent developments in the Gyanvapi issue.
Maulana Tauqeer Raza, the chief of Ittehad-e-Millat Council, urged his followers to take to the streets and willingly get arrested as a form of protest. His call to action was prompted by the recent court verdict allowing Hindus to offer prayers at Vyas ji ka tahkhana within the Gyanvapi mosque premises, a decision that has sparked controversy and discontent among the Muslim community.
The situation escalated as supporters of Raza gathered near Islamia College ground, despite police efforts to seal off the area. Approximately 1,000 police officers were deployed in anticipation of the protest, with additional security measures implemented around mosques in the city. It took authorities nearly two hours to diffuse the gathering and persuade the crowd to disperse peacefully.
In his address prior to the protest, Maulana Tauqeer Raza condemned the recent demolition of a madrasa in Haldwani, which fueled communal tensions in the nearby town. He reiterated the importance of defending Muslim interests in the face of perceived oppression and injustice.
The Gyanvapi issue has been a contentious subject, with the recent court ruling further exacerbating tensions. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s assertion of building temples in Kashi and Mathura, in addition to Ayodhya, has added fuel to the fire, stirring emotions on both sides of the religious divide.
Maulana Tauqeer Raza, a direct descendant of Ahmed Raza Khan Barelvi, the founder of the Barelvi sect of Sunni Islam, commands a significant following in the region, amplifying the impact of his calls for protest.
While the situation in Bareilly has been brought under control for now, the underlying tensions persist, underscoring the deep-seated divisions and sensitivities surrounding religious issues in India. Authorities remain vigilant as they work to maintain peace and order in the region amidst ongoing unrest and protests.
Sources By Agencies
