After CM Yogi's Directives, UP Govt Orders Removal Of Illegal Loudspeakers From Religious Places

So far 125 loudspeakers have been brought down, and around 17,000 people have themselves reduced the volume of such devices, said ADG of police (law and order), Prashant Kumar.

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New Delhi: Days after Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath directed for restricting the volume of loudspeakers at religious places, the Uttar Pradesh government has now ordered removal of illegal loudspeakers from religious places, reported news agency PTI. 

“The order to remove illegal loudspeakers from religious places in the state was issued on Saturday. A compliance report (from the districts) in this regard has been sought by April 30,” Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Awanish Awasthi told the news agency.

“The police have been directed to establish conversations with the religious leaders, and ensure the removal of the unauthorised loudspeakers by coordinating with them,” said Awasthi.

So far 125 loudspeakers have been brought down, and around 17,000 people have themselves reduced the volume of such devices, said Additional Director General of police (law and order), Prashant Kumar on Monday. 

Speaking about security arrangements for Eid, the ADG said that “alvida namaz” — offering prayers on last Friday of Ramzan — will be held at 31,000 places across the state. 

UP Chief Minister Adityanath had last week directed that no religious procession should be taken out without permission and that usage of loudspeakers should not cause inconvenience to others. 

He also stressed that police need to be extra vigilant as Eid and Akshay Tritiya are likely to fall on the same day in the month of May and several other festivals are lined up further in coming days. 

During a review meeting on law and order with senior officials here last week, he said everyone has the freedom to follow his/her method of worship according to his/her religious ideology.

“Although microphones can be used, make sure the sound does not come out of any premises. Other people should not face any problem,” he had said, adding that no permission should be given to install loudspeakers at new sites.

Special arrangements have been made for sensitive districts, and additional forces, including the PAC and central armed paramilitary forces, have been deployed, he said, adding that meetings of the peace committees have also been held.