Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Bareilvi, president of All India Muslim Jamaat (Image credits: ANI)
NEW DELHI: Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Bareilvi, president of the All India Muslim Jamaat, urged people to maintain peace following recent violence in Bareilly. Speaking to ANI on Monday, he said the situation in the city is now calm. “The situation in Bareilly is peaceful, and there is no disturbance. However, I appeal to everyone to maintain peace,” he said.
Bareilvi advised against public demonstrations and processions, stressing that expressions of devotion should remain personal. “The love for the Prophet should be in hearts, not on the streets,” said Bareilvi. “The methods used to express love for the Prophet are inappropriate. These actions lead to the posters with the name of ‘Muhammad’ being torn, fallen, and desecrated. I also advise against holding demonstrations, processions, or agitations during festivals of other religions…. The love for the Prophet should be in hearts, not on the streets,” he added.The protests took place after Friday prayers outside Ala Hazrat Dargah and the residence of IMC chief Maulana Tauqeer Raza Khan, where demonstrators carried “I Love Muhammad” placards. Heavy security was deployed at both sites, and the Uttar Pradesh Police resorted to a lathi charge when some protesters began throwing stones. Local residents said that the police have maintained peace in the area following the unrest. However, the violence and curfew caused losses for local businesses.Rajesh Sharma, a resident and pan seller, said, as quoted by ANI, “The situation is calm now. Goods got destroyed amid the clash. I incurred a loss of Rs 1000 to 2000, while I earn just Rs 200-300 in a day. Chief minister did well.”Chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday condemned the violence and said “You saw this in Bareilly yesterday. The maulana seems to have forgotten whose government is in power. He thought he could halt the system whenever he wanted, but we made it clear there would be neither a roadblock nor a curfew. However, the lesson we have taught will make future generations think twice before rioting.”
