Communal tensions simmered in Bareilly in Uttar Pradesh and Cuttack in Odisha over the weekend with clashes during religious processions and subsequent crackdowns again highlighting the growing volatility around festival gatherings. According to reports, fresh violence erupted in Cuttack, Odisha, on Sunday night during a Durga idol immersion procession, leaving at least 25 people injured. In response, the state government imposed prohibitory orders and suspended internet services for 24 hours across 13 police station areas to prevent the spread of misinformation and restore order.
A government circular announced that access to social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, and X would remain restricted until 7 PM on Monday. Former Chief Minister and Leader of the Opposition Naveen Patnaik urged residents to maintain peace and communal harmony, expressing concern over the city’s deteriorating law and order. Heavy police deployment continues across sensitive areas to prevent further escalation. Meanwhile, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad called for a 12-hour Cuittuck bandh on Monday, according to reports.
In Bareilly the authorities have demolished several structures linked to those arrested, citing building violations. Two men with criminal records were injured in a police encounter, and over 80 people have been detained. Political parties have accused authorities of bias, while officials insist the situation is under control. Across India, sporadic communal flare-ups have become increasingly frequent, often triggered by processions, social media posts, or local disputes that quickly spiral into violence. Small incidents—whether over banners, loudspeakers, or social media messages—can escalate rapidly, amplified by rumours and provocative online content.
In UP, the police action, however, provoked strong reactions from the Muslim community with “I Love Muhammad” posters appearing nationwide and as profile pictures on social media. Many described the developments as criminalisation of religious expression and alleged attempts to politicise the matter along Hindu-Muslim lines.
All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi questioned “If we carry around a poster saying ‘I love Mohammad,’ what is illegal about it? What is there in it that incites anyone to violence, aggression, or violence?” “If someone uses the same slogan for any of their religious leaders, as our Hindu brothers did, ‘I love Mahadev,’ we have no objection, this is their belief,” he was quoted as saying.
States like Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, and West Bengal have witnessed recurrent communal disturbances in recent years. Authorities often respond with internet shutdowns and demolition drives, which critics say raise questions about due process. Civil society groups argue that poor policing, lack of dialogue between communities, and political rhetoric have eroded traditional mechanisms of conflict resolution.
