Uttar Pradesh steps up vigil, imposes section 144 in Kanpur, Lucknow

UP has stepped up vigil across the state ahead of Friday prayers that will also mark a week of the clashes that erupted in Kanpur over suspended BJP leader Nupur Sharma's remarks against Prophet Mohammad. The increased alertness also comes on the back of a letter issued by terror outfit Al-Qaeda regarding suicide attacks in Delhi, Mumbai, UP and Gujarat over the same issue.

Section 144 was already in force in Kanpur until July 31, but was also imposed in Lucknow till July 10, with the order laying special emphasis on prohibition of such activities that can stoke communal flare ups or aid any form of riots, like disallowing people to stick religious posters, use inciteful speeches against different communities, collection of stones, bricks, or any inflammable material in open spaces that can be used in violent activities, etc.

"We have identified communal hotspots across the state and deployed adequate force equipped with proper gear like water cannons, etc. Extensive dialogues are being carried out with religious leaders of both sides, asking them to deliver their religious preachings in a controlled manner and aid in maintenance of peace and quiet," ADG (Law and Order) Prashant Kumar told ET.





The Sunni Ulama Council also issued an appeal to all mosques in Kanpur ahead of the Friday prayers, appealing for preaching of brotherhood.

More than 50 people have been arrested so far in relation to the violence including three PFI activists.

At the same time, following appeals from kin of some accused who claimed their relatives were innocent, the Kanpur police also set up a four-member team on Thursday under the joint commissioner Anand Tiwari to look into such applications and dispose of them accordingly so that no innocent is harassed. The move comes following Kanpur commissioner Vijay Singh Meena's statement that "no innocent will be sent to jail in relation to the violence".