SAHARANPUR: Congress MP Imran Masood was placed under house arrest by the Uttar Pradesh Police, hours before he was scheduled to leave for Bareilly on Wednesday, in the wake of violent protests linked to the 'I Love Muhammad' row.
A heavy police presence has been deployed outside his residence in Saharanpur since late Tuesday night to prevent his movement.
Masood, speaking to IANS, confirmed that he and his delegation had planned to visit Bareilly to review the situation on the ground.
"We had planned to go to Bareilly, and the entire delegation was on its way. There, we were supposed to meet the officials, the DIG and the ADG, and review the prevailing situation. We are guardians of peace and, under no circumstances, do we promote hatred, " he said.
He added that the government's approach was "discriminatory".
"However, all the sides should understand the problem. Now, the country works by two types of laws, one for us and one for others, " Masood stated.
The unrest in Bareilly broke out on September 26 when a large crowd carrying 'I Love Muhammad' posters gathered outside a mosque after cleric Tauqeer Raza Khan cancelled a planned demonstration.
The protest quickly spiralled into violence, prompting police to launch a crackdown.