Uproar in Bareilly as communities clash over Kanwar Yatra route

Standoff led to a face-off between the two communities, with the police resorting to the use of lathi charge and tear gas to disperse the crowd of Kanwariyas

| Updated: 30 July, 2023 8:12 pm IST
Police have to resort to lathicharge to disperse the crowd 

BAREILLY, UP: Bareilly witnessed scenes of turmoil and tension as two communities clashed over the route of the Kanwar Yatra.

The confrontation took place on Sunday in the Jogi Nawada and Chakmahmood areas under the jurisdiction of the Baradari police station. Despite efforts to mediate by the officials, the controversy that began in the morning continued well into the afternoon, resulting in chaos and injuries.

The trouble began when women, youth, and other members of one community gathered on the Shah Noor Masjid Marg, voicing objections to what they perceived as the introduction of a new tradition concerning the Kanwar Yatra route. They raised slogans and asserted their stance firmly.

As the situation escalated, law enforcement authorities, including District Magistrate Shivakant Dwivedi, SSP Prabhakar Chaudhary, ADM City Dr RD Pandey and SP City Rahul Bhati, along with police, PAC, and RAF personnel from five police stations, rushed to the scene to control the unrest.

Despite the extensive efforts made by the police administration to pacify both sides, tensions remained high, and the confrontation persisted. The standoff led to a face-off between the two communities, with the police resorting to the use of lathicharge and tear gas to disperse the crowd of Kanwariyas.

Reports of several people being injured during the incident have surfaced, adding to the gravity of the situation. In response to the unrest, a substantial number of security forces have been deployed throughout the area, with constant patrolling efforts aimed at restoring calm.

The Kanwar Yatra, an annual pilgrimage where devotees carry water from the Ganges River to offer at shrines of Lord Shiva, is known to draw large crowds and often leads to logistical challenges and safety concerns. However, the clashes in Bareilly underscore the need for dialogue and cooperation between communities to ensure the peaceful and smooth conduct of such events.

Authorities are working to find a resolution to the dispute, and the hope is that both communities will eventually come to a mutual understanding to prevent further escalation. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining communal harmony and addressing conflicts through peaceful means.

As the situation unfolds, the administration remains vigilant, and efforts are ongoing to foster peaceful coexistence between the communities involved in the Kanwar Yatra route disagreement. The authorities urged everyone to exercise restraint and engage in meaningful dialogue to find an amicable solution to the current impasse.

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