Hindu groups in India protest Muslim call to prayer on loudspeakers
Hindu nationalist groups in the city of Varanasi protest use of loudspeakers for Islamic call to prayer, heightening religious tensions
NEW DELHI, India (MNTV) — Religious tensions have resurfaced in northern India after Hindu nationalist groups in the city of Varanasi staged protests opposing the use of loudspeakers for the Muslim call to prayer (azaan), warning they would broadcast Hindu chants from temples in retaliation.
The unrest began when local police intervened at a temple where a priest was reciting the Hanuman Chalisa — a Hindu devotional hymn — over loudspeakers at high volume. The intervention followed a complaint that two Muslim youths were harassed near the temple.
Closed-circuit TV cameras’ footage reportedly confirmed the incident, leading to the arrest of two suspects, according to Clarion India.
The arrests prompted demonstrations across the city by Hindu nationalist groups, who accused the police of bias. Protesters claimed that if Muslims were permitted to use loudspeakers for azaan, Hindus should be allowed to do the same for devotional chants.
Demonstrators carrying saffron flags blocked roads and vowed to “amplify Hanuman Chalisa from every temple” if restrictions continued.
Members of the Muslim community expressed concern over rising hostility, urging authorities to ensure equal treatment and prevent escalation. “We have lived peacefully here for generations. This is not about religion, it’s about fairness,” said a local shopkeeper. Religious leaders from both sides appealed for calm.
Community leaders warned that the confrontation risked deepening communal divides in Varanasi. “Faith has never been a problem here — politics has,” said a local Hindu teacher. “People are being provoked to see prayer as competition.”
Police said additional forces were deployed to prevent violence and described the situation as tense but contained. Officials urged residents to maintain calm and respect sound-control regulations that apply to all religious sites.
Analysts say the dispute reflects a wider trend across Uttar Pradesh, where Hindu nationalist organizations have increasingly used public-religion debates — from mosque loudspeakers to processions — to assert majoritarian dominance.
“These flashpoints are less about religion and more about power,” said political observer Imran Khan. “They turn everyday practice into a test of loyalty.”
The Varanasi unrest follows a series of clashes across Uttar Pradesh, where Hindu extremist groups launched an “I Love Mahadev” campaign to confront Muslims who had protested police action against the “I Love Muhammad” movement.
The earlier demonstrations erupted after authorities arrested several Muslims for displaying banners expressing love for Prophet Muhammad — a slogan that had sparked nationwide debate over religious expression and discrimination.
The Hindu counter-mobilization, backed by groups aligned with the ruling ideology, has since intensified sectarian polarization across the state.
We must take charge of our narrative. Research indicates that 92% of their Muslim coverage is negative. Help us change that.
Have Your Say!
Have you been affected by the issues raised in this story? Please share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@soundvision.com.
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a Muslim Network TV’s representative. You can also get in touch in the following ways:
Tweet: @MuslimNetworkTV
