Rampur, Uttar Pradesh: A controversy erupted in Manakpur Bajaria village under the Syed Nagar Chowki area of Tanda police station after an Iftar announcement was made through a loudspeaker at a local mosque. The incident led to protests by a Hindutva outfit, prompting police intervention and the arrest of nine individuals, including the mosque’s imam.
The police removed the loudspeaker from the mosque, calling the Iftar announcement a “new tradition.” The mosque, serving around 20 Muslim families for over 15 years, became the center of tension on Sunday when its imam made the announcement via loudspeaker.
Members of the local Hindu community objected to the practice and lodged a complaint with the police. In response, police personnel from the 112 emergency service arrived and attempted to mediate between both groups. However, tensions remained high as the protesting group opposed the use of loudspeakers for the Iftar call.
The authorities swiftly arrested nine individuals and registered a case against them. Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Atul Kumar Shrivastava stated, “A dispute arose after the Iftar announcement was made through a loudspeaker at the mosque. Immediate action was taken, and nine individuals were arrested to maintain law and order.”
The incident has sparked frustration within the local Muslim community, who argue that religious announcements, including Iftar calls, have been made in many places without issue.
A local resident questioned, “Why is an Iftar announcement being treated as a ‘new tradition’ when Azaan and other religious calls are regularly made through loudspeakers?”
Maulana Rashid Ahmed, a local Imam, condemned the arrests, stating, “This is a clear case of targeting one community. Announcements from places of worship have always been part of religious practice. Why single out this one?”
Legal expert and activist Advocate Shariq Anwar warned that the police action set a dangerous precedent, saying, “This selective enforcement raises serious concerns about religious freedom and equal treatment under the law.”
Following the arrests, local authorities urged peace and called on residents to avoid escalating the situation. However, the incident has drawn widespread reactions from religious and social organizations, with many demanding the immediate release of the arrested individuals and questioning the fairness of the police’s response.
