Four districts of Bareilly division saw beefed-up security on Thursday in view of the festival of Dussehra, officials said.
Drones have now been included to keep an eye on public movement, with police, PAC, and RAF personnel out on the streets.
On September 26, a gathering of around 2,000 people outside a mosque in the Kotwali area after Friday prayers led to a confrontation with the police. The unrest, which involved stone-pelting, was triggered by the cancellation of a protest over the ‘I Love Muhammad’ poster row called by cleric Tauqeer Khan.
Divisional Commissioner Bhupendra S Chaudhary has issued a high alert for Bareilly, Shahjahanpur, Pilibhit, and Budaun districts.
Also Read: Bareilly violence: Tauqeer Khan's aide detained by police
Police have been asked to be vigilant at Ramlila grounds, Durga Puja fairs and the Ravan Dahan programmes, which draw a massive footfall.
“All district magistrate, deputy collectors, police and administrative officials must discharge their responsibilities seriously. Any lapse will invite stern action,” Chaudhary said.
Officials said intelligence agencies, too, have been put on alert and teams deployed in the field.
“Armed police forces are being positioned at sensitive locations. We are ensuring foolproof arrangements so that the disturbances witnessed in Bareilly do not spill over to neighbouring districts,” an official said.
Till Wednesday, 81 people had been arrested in connection with the September 26 violence.
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