UP village takes off loudspeakers to ensure peace

It may seem a small gesture but it is one that could go a long way in averting communal disturbances.

Tiriyadeen village in Moradabad district has taken a landmark decision of not using loudspeakers at places of worship or during religious processions.

The village head, Sunita Rani, convened a panchayat and convinced Hindus and Muslims not to use loudspeakers for religious purposes.

Sunita Rani brought both the communities to the negotiating table and made them agree.

“It is a small thing that can bring peace to the area. I convinced both the communities and I am happy that they agreed,” she said.

The elders in the village then went around removing loudspeakers form mosques and temples. The loudspeakers were handed over to the Bhagatpur police.

The local people also took a pledge not to use loudspeakers in the future for any function, particularly those connected to religion.

Western Uttar Pradesh that has a history of communal clashes at the slightest provocation has often witnessed riots over the use of loud speakers during religious functions. Riots took place in Kanth in Moradabad in 2014 when BJP leaders tried to remove loudspeakers from mosques

A few days ago, the police had removed loudspeakers from a temple on the complaint of the other community. This led to heated exchanges and Hindus demanded removal of loudspeakers from mosques too.

Moradabad (rural) superintendent of police Udai Shanker said that the decision deserved appreciation.

“It should serve as an example for other villages and if it is implemented. A lot of unnecessary trouble can be averted,” he added.