In a recent statement, Abu Asim Azmi, a leader of the Samajwadi Party, voiced his concerns over the escalating violence and controversy surrounding the “I Love Mohammad” campaign in Uttar Pradesh. The controversy erupted in Bareilly and has since spread to other districts like Barabanki and Mau. Azmi condemned the events and criticized the handling of the situation by the police, calling their actions brutal and unjust. He also expressed his concerns over the broader implications of the rising tensions in Uttar Pradesh, where he believes mafia and gangster rule is becoming increasingly dominant.

Abu Azmi’s Strong Criticism of Police Actions in Uttar Pradesh

Speaking about the violence in Bareilly, Abu Azmi emphasized that the situation in Uttar Pradesh is far from ideal. He pointed out that the police have been given so much power that they could break anyone’s limbs or send them to jail without hesitation. He strongly condemned the use of force against the citizens, particularly the police’s action of resorting to baton charging, which he described as “barbaric” and “unjust.” He called for legal action to be taken against the police officers responsible for these actions.

Azmi also expressed his frustration over how the situation had escalated, starting with the “I Love Mohammad” writing campaign during Eid Milad-un-Nabi. He mentioned that the people from all communities often express good things about their gods and faiths. The Muslim community, as part of this campaign, had written “I Love Mohammad” on various places, but instead of addressing the issue through dialogue or legal means, the authorities registered an FIR against 25 people, which further sparked the controversy.

According to Azmi, the real problem was the way the authorities handled the situation. He argued that if anything illegal was happening, the police should issue notices, call people in for questioning, and file cases as needed. But the resorting to baton charges, as Azmi put it, was a violent and unjust way of handling the situation. He believes that the police are not acting impartially but are trying to fuel division between Hindus and Muslims. His words highlighted the growing political tension and the misuse of law enforcement for electoral purposes. Azmi accused the political parties of using these events to divide communities and gain votes, focusing on elections at the cost of peace and national harmony.

Tensions in Barabanki and Mau Following Bareilly Controversy

The controversy began in Bareilly and quickly spread to neighboring districts like Barabanki and Mau. The initial event, which involved a group of people writing “I Love Mohammad” during Eid Milad-un-Nabi, sparked protests and violence. The situation soon escalated into clashes with police forces, who responded with strong action, deploying a large security presence in the affected areas.

The authorities took swift action to contain the situation, asserting that the situation was under control and peaceful. However, reports of house-to-house raids and arrests continued, with police identifying over 500 individuals through video and CCTV footage. The police action has led to the detention of several individuals, including Maulana Taukeer Raza, the president of Ittehad-e-Millat Council. The police have also intensified their efforts to track down other suspects involved in the violence.

Meanwhile, in Mau’s Muhammadabad Gohna police station area, another incident occurred after Friday prayers. A group of individuals took to the streets in a procession as part of the “I Love Mohammad” campaign. The police were quick to intervene, and light force was used to disperse the crowd. This incident, too, was captured on camera and went viral on social media. The increasing frequency of such incidents has only added to the already tense atmosphere in Uttar Pradesh.

The Larger Context: A Deepening Divide

Azmi’s comments point to the broader issue of rising religious tensions and communal violence in Uttar Pradesh. He argued that these incidents were a symptom of a deeper problem, one where political leaders prioritize electoral gains over the well-being of citizens. According to him, there seems to be an intentional attempt to create division among communities to gain political leverage, using religion as a tool to mobilize voters. This, in Azmi’s view, is contributing to the breakdown of law and order in the state and threatening the harmony that has existed for years.

Azmi also expressed concern over the growing influence of the mafia in Uttar Pradesh, which he claims is increasingly dictating the terms of governance. The growing power of criminal elements in the state, Azmi stated, is leading to an environment where people are afraid to speak out or challenge the system. He emphasized that the police should work to restore peace and order rather than being used as a tool for political advantage.

The situation in Uttar Pradesh is indicative of the larger national problem of rising communalism. The use of law enforcement in a manner that exacerbates tensions between religious communities is a dangerous path, Azmi warned. He stressed the need for the authorities to focus on unity rather than division and to address conflicts through legal means rather than resorting to force.

Police Handling of the Situation: A Call for Accountability

Abu Azmi’s call for police accountability was one of the key aspects of his statement. He argued that if the authorities genuinely wanted to maintain law and order, they should act within the framework of the law and respect the rights of individuals. According to Azmi, using violence to suppress dissent and disagreement is not only unjust but also counterproductive in the long run. Instead, he suggested that the police should use their power to maintain peace and ensure justice without resorting to heavy-handed tactics like baton charging or mass arrests.

Azmi’s statement highlights the ongoing issue of police brutality in Uttar Pradesh, where instances of excessive force have been reported in several parts of the state. His criticism of the police is not just limited to this incident but extends to the broader concern about the misuse of power by law enforcement authorities. The focus should be on addressing the root causes of communal violence and ensuring that citizens’ rights are protected, regardless of their religion or background.

The situation in Uttar Pradesh remains tense, with incidents of communal violence and police brutality continuing to make headlines. Abu Azmi’s strong condemnation of the police and the political leadership in the state underscores the deep frustration felt by many citizens who believe that justice is being compromised in the pursuit of political gain. As the situation develops, it is crucial for the authorities to address the underlying issues of religious polarization and law enforcement misconduct.

In the end, the solution lies in upholding the principles of justice, fairness, and unity. Only by addressing these issues can the state hope to regain the trust of its citizens and prevent further escalation of violence. Azmi’s words serve as a reminder that the path to peace and stability requires dialogue, accountability, and a commitment to the rule of law, rather than resorting to tactics that divide and alienate communities.