Allahabad University VC Seeks Ban on Loudspeakers For Azaan, Sunni Cleric Hits Out

The Allahabad University vice chancellor had written a letter to the district magistrate, claiming that her sleep was being disturbed because of 'azaan' in a nearby mosque.

Lucknow: Allahabad University vice chancellor Prof. Sangita Srivastava sparked a row after she wrote a letter to the district magistrate, claiming that her sleep was being disturbed because of ‘azaan’ in a nearby mosque. She claimed that due to disruptions in her sleep, she suffered headaches which affected her work hours.

She said that though she was not against any religion but during ‘Ramzan’, the announcements over the microphone begin at 4 a.m which disturbs other people. Citing a court verdict, she said that ‘Your freedom ends where my nose begins”.

The vice chancellor sent copies of her letter to the divisional commissioner Prayagraj and SSP Prayagraj.

District Magistrate Bhanu Chandra Goswami said that he would take action as per the rules.

Maulana Khalid Rashid Farangi Mahali, well-known Sunni cleric and Imam of Aishbagh Idgah, strongly condemned the Allahabad University VC for claiming that her sleep was being disturbed by the ‘azaan’.

In a video message, the cleric said that Srivastava should know the ‘Ganga-Jamuni’ culture of the region that allows peaceful co-existence of various religions.

“People, since ages, have respected each other’s religions. The sounds of ‘azaan’ often mingle with the sounds of bhajans from temples and no one has ever said that their sleep is disturbed because of this. There is already a high court order in this regard which is being complied with by all mosques,” he said.

He further appealed to the people to ignore such issues and not to mislead others on such matters.

(With inputs from IANS)