Muslim community resists political push to ban mosque loudspeakers
Rights group leads campaign opposing BJP leader’s call to remove loudspeakers from mosques, calling it a threat to religious freedom
NEW DELHI, India (MNTV) — In a growing backlash against perceived anti-Muslim targeting, hundreds of residents in Mumbra—a Muslim-majority suburb within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region—have launched a signature campaign opposing demands to remove loudspeakers from mosques.
According to Clarion India, the campaign is being spearheaded by the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI), a political organization that advocates for the rights of marginalized communities, particularly Muslims and Dalits.
The protest comes in direct response to BJP leader Kirit Soumya’s recent call for local authorities in Thane district to remove mosque loudspeakers, citing noise pollution.
Soumya, during a visit to Thane, reportedly urged police officials to follow Mumbai’s lead in cracking down on loudspeakers at religious sites—with particular focus on mosques. In response, SDPI organized the campaign near the Darul Falah Mosque in Mumbra, collecting hundreds of signatures over two days.
“This is not about sound levels. It’s a targeted political move to harass Muslims under the guise of regulation,” said Mohammad Tanveer Khan, an SDPI leader. “If rules about decibel levels apply, they must apply equally—to temples, churches, and mosques alike.”
SDPI leaders plan to submit the petition to Maharashtra’s Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, urging him to prevent what they see as discriminatory enforcement.
Local residents echoed the sentiment, accusing Soumya of inflaming communal tensions for political gain. “Why are temple loudspeakers during festivals ignored, but mosque prayers become an issue?” asked Afreen Shaikh, a college student.
Mohammad Imran, a businessman, added, “We pray five times a day, and the loudspeaker is a tradition. It doesn’t harm anyone. These politicians are creating issues to remain relevant.”
The SDPI has framed the campaign as a defense of both religious freedom and communal harmony. Organizers say the growing support reflects fear among Muslims that their religious rights are under threat in an increasingly polarized political climate.
Amina Bano, a retired schoolteacher, said, “If this was really about noise, there would be a uniform survey of all religious sound systems. This is selective, and it breeds mistrust.”
While Indian courts have previously issued guidelines to monitor loudspeaker use and control decibel levels, rights advocates argue that enforcement disproportionately targets Muslim communities.
SDPI leaders warned that continued targeting could provoke unrest and deepen communal divisions. “Peace cannot come at the cost of dignity,” said Tanveer Khan. “We will resist any attempt to silence our call to prayer.”
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