September 27, 2025
Web desk
Bareilly (India): Tensions flared across parts of Uttar Pradesh after Indian authorities and right-wing groups targeted Muslims for displaying the slogan “I Love Muhammad ﷺ” during religious gatherings.
Earlier this month in Kanpur, Muslims carried banners with the phrase during a Milad-un-Nabi ﷺ procession. The display angered Hindu extremists who created a commotion, but instead of acting against the aggressors, police filed cases against Muslims and arrested several participants.
The situation escalated on Friday in Bareilly, where Muslims staged a peaceful protest after Friday prayers against the police action. Eyewitnesses said officers launched a baton charge on demonstrators, triggering clashes. The protest soon turned violent, with stone-pelting injuring at least 10 policemen.
In Rae Bareli, members of the community attempted to organize an “I Love Muhammad ﷺ” rally outside the residence of cleric and Ittehad-e-Millat Council leader Maulana Tauqeer Raza Khan. Police again intervened with force, dispersing the crowd and arresting several participants.
Reports suggest the unrest is spreading to other towns in Uttar Pradesh, with growing anger among Muslims over what they call a direct assault on their faith and freedom of expression.
