Mumbai: The Maharashtra home department has decided to restrict the use of loudspeakers at religious sites amid the azaan row.
The state government will now make it mandatory for religious sites to seek permission for using loudspeakers.
Nashik Police commissioner has already issued an order making it mandatory to take permission loudspeakers and Maharashtra DGP has been directed to hold a review meeting with district administrations for implementing the order.
The row over loudspeaker escalated after the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena leader raised the pitch for Hindutva, calling on “Hindu brothers” to “be prepared” if loudspeakers are not removed from mosques by May 3.
However, on Sunday, Thackeray insisted that loudspeakers relaying the ‘azaan’ call is more of a social issue than a religious one. He told a media briefing in Pune that he doesn’t want peace in the society disturbed, “but if the use of loudspeakers continues then they (Muslims) will also have to listen to our prayers on loudspeakers”.
“On May 1, I will address a public gathering at Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad). On June 5, I will visit Ayodhya for darshan along with MNS volunteers. I also appeal to others to come to Ayodhya,” Thackeray said.