It has become an essential character of Indian politics that even public interest issues are painted in communal colours. For example, demolishing illegal houses and stopping the loud noises of religious places are all beneficial works in themselves, but nowadays leaders of various sects and political parties in the country have become involved in a riot.
In Mumbai, the Maharashtra Nav-Nirman Sena has now threatened to recite Hanuman Chalisa in front of mosques if the Maharashtra government does not remove loudspeakers from mosques by May 3 (Eid day). If this army had demanded such restrictions for all shrines – mosques, temples, churches, gurudwaras and synagogues – it would have been justified, but targeting only mosques is pure communalism or rather, politics of bulk vote.
When the Yogi government of Uttar Pradesh started a campaign against this loud voice, it did not spare any religious place. Not only in temples and mosques, he has imposed various restrictions on processions. Similarly, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Chouhan, who became famous like a bulldozer uncle, did not discriminate in the demolition of illegal houses in the past. His bulldozers demolished more houses of Hindus than those of Muslims. Demolition of illegal houses is fine, but why only rioters, why not a uniform campaign to demolish all illegal houses? They also need to be informed before demolition.
Apart from this, it is also necessary to immediately rebuild those houses which have been demolished wrongly and pay adequate compensation for them. Whether it is the demolition of illegal houses or to control the loud noise, any discrimination is immoral and illegal. As far as the sound of azaan from mosques or hymns in temple hymns are concerned, these are strictly prohibited in many countries of the world. Our Muslims just look at Saudi Arabia and Indonesia.
From the point of view of Islam, one is the most important and the other is the largest country. Mosques in Saudi Arabia have loudspeakers but they cannot play more than 1/3 of their voice. In Indonesia, such restrictions are imposed even more closely. Nigeria has even closed 70 churches and 20 mosques due to the crackling sound. Hotels and bars have also been closed. The sound of car horns has also been limited.
Even in America, Britain and France, religious people are not allowed to make noise. About two dozen countries of Europe have also banned roaming outside by wearing religious symbols. But these countries do not differentiate between Islam and Christianity while imposing these restrictions. When restrictions are imposed equally for all, then they are said to be safe. These restrictions will also make a great contribution in stopping the absolutist hypocrisy and pretensions going on in the name of religion.
