**‘I Love Muhammad’ Row: Protest in Bareilly Turns Violent**
*By Snehil Singh | Sep 27, 2025, 11:53 AM*

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The “I Love Muhammad” movement, led by Maulana Tauqeer Raza, has sparked clashes between police and locals in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh. The unrest began after a planned demonstration was called off due to the absence of permission from authorities.

### Unrest Erupts After Protest Postponement

The protest was initially scheduled to take place after Friday prayers, with gatherings planned near Maulana Raza’s residence and the Kotwali mosque. However, it was canceled at the last minute. Despite the postponement, crowds carrying “I Love Muhammad” posters gathered near the same locations.

Tensions escalated when protesters allegedly pelted stones at police officers attempting to disperse the crowd. In response, security personnel resorted to lathi-charging the demonstrators. Visuals from the scene showed violent clashes between locals and the police in the Kotwali area.

### Official Response and Measures

Senior officials, including DIG Ajay Kumar Sahni, SSP Anurag Arya, and District Magistrate Avinash Singh, were deployed to control the situation. Speaking to reporters, DM Singh stated, “The situation is under control now. No untoward incident has been reported. We are appealing to people to maintain peace and harmony.”

A heavy police presence remains stationed at sensitive locations to prevent further escalation.

### Maulana Raza’s Position

Maulana Tauqeer Raza released a video message disputing reports that the protest was postponed. He accused the police and administration of conspiring against him and reiterated his plans to continue the movement peacefully.

“I will follow my earlier announcement. We will peacefully submit our memorandum to the President through the District Magistrate,” he said. He also urged people to join the movement responsibly, emphasizing its peaceful intent.

### Nationwide Unrest

The controversy originally ignited on September 4 during a Barawafat procession, related to Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi, in Kanpur. An “I Love Muhammad” poster displayed on a tent along the procession route led to objections from local Hindu groups.

Since then, the issue has spread across Uttar Pradesh and other states such as Uttarakhand and Karnataka, resulting in protests and police crackdowns.

### Political Reactions

The ongoing controversy has provoked strong political responses. AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi questioned the government’s reaction, asking, “What is anti-national about love?” He contrasted the backlash to “I Love Muhammad” posters with the widespread acceptance of “Happy Birthday” posters for political leaders.

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav accused the BJP of inciting violence. Meanwhile, BJP’s top leadership has directed its members to refrain from making unnecessary comments on the matter without prior permission.

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*This movement and its repercussions remain a sensitive topic as authorities and communities seek to restore peace in affected areas.*
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