Yogi Adityanath On Bareilly Unrest: No One Can Hold System Hostage

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday vowed stringent action against those disrupting law and order following violence in Bareilly linked to the "I Love Muhammad" campaign. Without naming anyone directly, the CM's comments appeared to target cleric Tauqeer Raza Khan, arrested for allegedly masterminding the unrest. Adityanath warned that rioters would be taught a lesson that future generations would remember. Police are working to identify hundreds involved in what is being called a "pre-planned conspiracy."

Strict Message from UP Government

Speaking at a 'Viksit UP' media event, Adityanath said his government has sent a firm message that any disruption to law and order will not be tolerated.

"Whenever there were festivals, there was some upheaval, but now rioters will be taught a lesson in a language they understand, so their future generations also know not to indulge in such acts," the CM said.

He added, "Sometimes people cannot abandon bad habits easily. For that, measures like denting and painting are required... You saw this in Bareilly yesterday. A Maulana forgot who is in power," an apparent reference to Tauqeer Raza Khan, chief of the Ittehad-e-Millat Council, who had called for protests in support of the campaign. Khan was arrested on Saturday for allegedly orchestrating the violence.

No Roadblocks or Curfews, But Strict Action

"He thought he could halt the system with threats whenever he wanted, but we made it clear there would be neither a roadblock nor a curfew. Yet, a lesson will be taught that ensures future generations will never indulge in rioting," the CM said.

Adityanath questioned the intent behind the public gathering, noting, "What kind of way is this to halt the system? This was the trend in UP before 2017, but after 2017, we have not allowed even a curfew." He asserted that any barriers to the state's development are handled decisively, adding, "The story of Uttar Pradesh's development begins here."

Bulldozer Action and Law Enforcement

The CM also defended the bulldozer action against people booked in criminal cases. "There are people who incite caste-based sentiments and exploit others... we made the bulldozer for such people," Adityanath said.

Tensions escalated in Bareilly after clashes between police and a crowd carrying "I Love Muhammad" posters outside a mosque in the Kotwali area following Friday prayers. The crowd reportedly reacted to the last-minute cancellation of a planned demonstration by Khan, who claimed authorities had denied permission.

Police conducted overnight house-to-house raids and arrested eight individuals, including Khan, who were sent to judicial custody for two weeks. Officials said over 500 people are being identified through videos and CCTV footage.

District Magistrate Avinash Singh noted that Section 163 of the BNSS (requiring written permission for marches or demonstrations) was in effect. Despite this, some individuals took to the streets, prompting strict police action and the detention of over two dozen people.

DIG Ajay Kumar Sahni called the clashes a "pre-planned conspiracy", promising to identify all perpetrators using video evidence and ensure exemplary punishment to deter future incidents.

Government Statement

The Uttar Pradesh Information Department condemned the Bareilly violence, describing it as a well-planned conspiracy aimed at creating a negative atmosphere in Western UP, undermining the Noida International Trade Show, deterring foreign investment, and thwarting the state's development efforts.

The controversy dates back to September 9, when police in Kanpur filed an FIR against 24 people for allegedly installing "I Love Muhammad" boards during an Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi procession on September 4. Some Hindu groups had objected, calling the boards a deviation from tradition and a deliberate provocation.