Mosque Loudspeaker Row: 150 MNS Workers Arrested In Maharashtra's Nashik For Creating 'Communal Tension'

The arrests are a  part of 'preventive actions' being taken by the Maharashtra police amid MNS chief Raj Thackeray's appeal to play Hanuman Chalisa on a loudspeaker outside mosques.

MNS chief Raj Thackeray | Visual from a police station in Nashik ( Image Source :Getty Images | ANI )

New Delhi: A total of 150 workers belonging to the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena Party (MNS) were arrested in Nashik for creating "communal tension" in the district, local police said. The arrests are a  part of 'preventive actions' being taken by the Maharashtra police to maintain a law and order situation amid MNS chief Raj Thackeray's appeal to play Hanuman Chalisa on a loudspeaker outside mosques following the end of his May 3 deadline over the use of loudspeakers for 'Azaan'.

"150 MNS workers have been arrested so far for creating communal tensions in Nashik. Preventive actions are being taken against those involved in such activities. Police have been deployed in all sensitive spots to ensure law and order situation," said BG Shekhar Patil, Inspector General of Police, Nashik on Wednesday, as quoted by news agency ANI.

About the removal of illegal loudspeakers, the IGP said, "We are taking action as per rules laid down by the law. If there is any loudspeaker in operation without the permission of authorities then action will be taken against them."

Earlier on Wednesday, Raj Thackeray reiterated his protest against the illegal use of loudspeakers and said that "Hanuman Chalisa will continue to be played outside mosques till the time government acts and address the issue in accordance with the Supreme Court guidelines on loudspeakers."

"As far as I know, there are over 1,140 mosques in Mumbai. Out of these, 135 mosques played 'Azaan' at 5 am violating the guidelines. We want peace in the state. I want to ask the police, you are taking action only against our workers. My point is that all illegal loudspeakers should be removed from mosques, until they are removed we will continue our agitation," said Raj Thackeray, as quoted by ANI.

According to the MNS chief, his protest is not only about mosques as there are several temples where loudspeakers are being used in violation of norms. "I have already made it clear that it's (illegal loudspeakers) not a religious issue but a social issue... MNS leaders will continue to play Hanuman Chalisa outside mosques at the time of Azaan until all illegal loudspeakers will be removed," he added.

The loudspeakers row in Maharashtra began when the Raj Thackeray on April 12 gave an ultimatum to the Maharashtra government to remove loudspeakers from mosques by May 3, failing which, he warned that MNS workers will play Hanuman Chalisa on loudspeakers. A case was filed against Raj Thackeray on Tuesday when he appealed to people to play Hanuman Chalisa on loudspeakers in the areas where loudspeakers are used for 'Azaan'.