Mosques must get permission to install loudspeakers: Dy CM

Leader of the Opposition Narayan Rane and BJP group leader Gopinath Munde were among those alleging that loudspeakers were used for “inciting” a mob belonging to a particular community during a clash between two communities on November 10, 1999, at Nandurbar. Munde also asked whether the government would impose a complete ban on loudspeakers atop mosques.

On the Nandurbar riots, Bhujbal said the police had brought the situation under control and prevented a major incident there. He also informedthat 78 persons have been arrested in this connection and loss to property during the rioting amounted to Rs 32,90,539.

Earlier, Khadse asked whether misuse of loudspeakers at the site was responsible for the communal riots that took place at Nandurbar. In reply, Minister of State for Home Manikrao Thakre said it was not the only reason behind the incident. His reply evoked sharp protests from Sena-BJP benches.Intervening, Bhujbal said that bursting of firecrackers in the Masjid area of Nandurbar led to the riots. He said the people of the two communities gathered at the site and a heated discussion between the two led to tension in the area.

Before the incident could take a serious turn, the police intervened and resorted to a lathi-charge to disperse the mob. In this some of the people from both the groups were injured.

The government has announced a compensation of Rs 8 lakh to the affected and the amount is being disbursed, he added.