• Source:JND
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The internet and SMS services have been suspended in Uttar Pradesh's Bareilly for 48 hours to maintain peace and public order in the wake of recent tensions over the I Love Muhammad posters. 

According to a notification issued by the home department, mobile internet, broadband and SMS services will remain suspended in Bareilly from 3 pm on October 2 to 3 pm on October 4.The directive has been issued under section 7 of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, and the Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency or Public Safety) Rules, 2017.

In an order, Home Secretary Gaurav Dayal stated that there is a possibility of misuse of social media platforms, such as Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp, and messaging services, to spread rumors and incite communal tension. Therefore, the decision to suspend internet services was taken to maintain peace and public order.

ALSO READ: I Love Muhammad Row: Maulana Tauqeer Raza Sent To Jail After Bareilly Unrest; CM Yogi Directs Strict Action Against Miscreants

Meanwhile, security has been ramped up with security personnel out on the streets and drones in the air across four districts in the Bareilly zone.

In line with the order from the Home Department, Divisional Commissioner Bhupendra S Chaudhary has issued a high alert for Bareilly, Shahjahanpur, Pilibhit, and Budaun districts.

Police, Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) and Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel are out on the streets. Police have been asked to be vigilant at Ramleela grounds, Durga Puja fairs and Ravan Dahan programmes, which draw a massive footfall.
"All district magistrates, deputy collectors, police and administrative officials must discharge their responsibilities seriously. Any lapse will invite stern action," Chaudhary said.

ALSO READ: ‘I Love Muhammad' Row: Internet Suspended In Bareilly For 48 Hours After Maulana Tauqeer Raza Khan’s Arrest | Key Updates

This comes after the September 26 clashes in Bareilly, when about 2,000 people gathered outside a mosque in the Kotwali area in Bareilly after Friday prayers. The stone-pelting ensued, which prompted a lathi-charge.

The chaos was triggered by the cancellation of a protest over the "I Love Muhammad" poster row called by cleric Tauqeer Khan. In police action, 81 people have been arrested so far.

(With PTI Inputs)