Tight security in Bareilly ahead of Friday prayers, Moradabad and Prayagraj also on alert:

News Topical, Digital Desk : A week after violence broke out after Friday prayers in Bareilly, the district administration has tightened security in sensitive areas ahead of this Friday's mass prayers.

The District Magistrate and Senior Superintendent of Police were seen patrolling the city with heavy police force since morning, while clerics of Aala Hazrat Dargah appealed to the residents to maintain peace.

Last Friday, clashes broke out between locals and police in the city after a planned protest was canceled over the controversy surrounding the "I Love Muhammad" poster. Several people were injured in the clashes, while police filed 10 FIRs and charged hundreds of people for the violence. So far, more than 70 people have been arrested, including cleric Tauqeer Raza Khan, his associates, and some relatives.

District Magistrate Avinash Singh said senior police and administration officials visited sensitive areas on Thursday night and interacted with local residents, who assured them of maintaining communal harmony.

Singh said, "We are still patrolling on foot. Arrangements are in place."

Bareilly divided into four super zones and eight zones

Senior Superintendent of Police Anurag Arya said that the city has been divided into four super zones and eight zones for strict surveillance and four IPS officers have been called from other districts for special surveillance.

Heavy police and paramilitary forces were deployed outside major mosques, including the Nau Mahal Mosque, the Ala Hazrat Dargah Mosque, the Azam Nagar Mosque in the Kotwali area, and the Baradari Mosque. Drone cameras were also used for surveillance.

Markets like Roadways Bazaar, Qutubkhana, Shivaji Marg, Alamgirganj, Sarafa, Sahamatganj, and Kila Bazaar opened on Friday, but were less busy than usual. Internet access remains banned in the city.

Meanwhile, Sajjadanashin of Aala Hazrat Dargah, Badrush Sharia Mufti Ahsan Mian urged Muslims to offer Friday prayers peacefully and return home.

"Don't pay attention to rumours. Peace must be maintained at all costs," he said in an appeal.

In the same vein, the cleric announced that the annual "Juloos-e-Gausiya," traditionally held on the occasion of "Gyaarvi Sharif," to commemorate the Urs of Hazrat Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani, will not be held this year due to the current situation. The decision was made at a joint meeting with the Anjuman Ghaus-o-Raza (TTS).

Mufti Ahsan Mian and Anjuman President Haji Shariq Noori said that this decision is applicable only for this year and the procession will resume next year with full grandeur.

Prayagraj, Moradabad also on alert

Meanwhile, following the Bareilly violence, the Sangam city of Prayagraj is also on alert. Friday prayers were conducted safely at the Jama Masjid at Chowk and other mosques. The police and administration breathed a sigh of relief as Friday prayers were conducted safely. Police are on alert in view of Friday prayers, idol immersion, and Bharat Milap. Police and PAC flag marches were conducted in the Atala and Chowk areas.

Additionally, police vigilance has been increased in other sensitive rural areas. According to DCP City Manish Kumar Shandilya, police forces have been deployed at every point. Social media sites are also being monitored to ensure that no one can disrupt the atmosphere through social media. Anyone found spreading rumors will face strict legal action.

Friday prayers were held peacefully in Moradabad. Friday prayers were held amid tight security, with police conducting a street march to assess security. The prayers were conducted in the presence of Superintendent of Police (CO) Sunita Dahiya and local police, and were monitored with drone cameras. Following the Bareilly incident, police remained deployed at Moradabad's Jama Masjid intersection.