A high-level delegation of Islamic scholars and political leaders from Mumbra, Kausa, and Kalwa met Thane Police Commissioner Ashutosh Dombre on Thursday to protest calls for the removal of loudspeakers from mosques, describing them as politically motivated and discriminatory.
The delegation was led by local MLA Jitendra Awhad and included former Minorities Commission member Syed Ali Ashraf (Bhai Sahib), NCP (Sharad Pawar) Mumbra-Kalwa President Shamim Khan, Minorities Cell President Mufti Ashraf, and several prominent scholars. Advocate Jalil Nauranga presented legal references to support their position, citing the Gujarat High Court’s ruling that the call to prayer (azan) does not constitute noise pollution.
The meeting followed remarks by BJP leader Kirit Somaiya demanding the removal of mosque loudspeakers across Mumbra and Thane district, a move that stirred unrest among mosque committees. Delegates urged police not to act hastily, intimidate mosque officials, or summon clerics without cause. They also requested support in issuing loudspeaker permits and complained of a senior Kalwa inspector’s alleged threatening behavior.
Commissioner Dombre assured that no action would be taken against religious places complying with the law, saying: “Politics has its place, but no one can take the law into their own hands or disrupt public order.”
Speaking to the media afterward, MLA Awhad warned against selective bans: “If loudspeakers are banned for azaan, they will also be banned for bhajans and Ganpati celebrations. What will they say then?” Shamim Khan added that the demand was simple — equal treatment for all religions.
The delegation vowed to oppose any selective action targeting Muslims’ religious rights.
