The influential cleric calls for a new revolution, condemns mob violence and bulldozer actions across the country
BAREILLY — Tension simmered in this Uttar Pradesh city on Sunday after influential cleric and Ittehad-e-Millat Council chief Maulana Tauqeer Raza Khan announced a protest march and his intention to court arrest with his followers. Following his announcement, he was put under house arrest.
He had earlier declared that he would lead a foot march to the District Collectorate in the afternoon.
Anticipating unrest during the protest, the administration placed a heavy police deployment outside his residence and put him under house arrest.
Speaking to journalists, Maulana Tauqir Raza described the situation across India as worsening. He said, “The situation is like this all over the country, bulldozers are being used, mob lynching is taking place, the law is being flouted.”
He added, “We are peace-loving people, people who talk about peace. Today I also wanted to court arrest but I was stopped at home.”
He warned that the arrests were only the beginning. “This series has started from today and tomorrow 72 people will court arrest and after that 313 people. And this series will continue in every district of India.”
The IMC chief accused the authorities of trying to stop a growing movement. He said, “A determined initiative has been taken to bring a new revolution in the country by courting arrests. Through this initiative, the whole of India is to be convinced that our country has been looted for 11 years. The country has been destroyed for 11 years. This country has been sold for 11 years.”
He invited supporters to join his campaign, saying, “I am inviting all those who love the country to join me in this campaign.”
Despite the tense situation, Maulana Tauqir Raza expressed his trust in the country’s legal system. “I have complete faith in the Constitution,” he said.
He criticised police actions, saying, “We are doing this work only to protect the Constitution. It is the job of the police and administration to follow the court orders, but despite the court order, bulldozers are also used.”
He also remarked on the outdated nature of police methods. “The Indian police do not have their own manual; they are still working on the same manual that was made by the British.
