Maintaining harmony: Misuse of loudspeakers banned in AJK

MUZAFFARABAD: The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) government has banned the use of loudspeakers in the mosques for making speeches. According to a notification issued on Monday, loudspeakers in the mosque can only be used for azaan and jumma sermon in Arabic. The government has directed the district administrations to strictly enforce the regulation. The notification further states that any one found using loudspeakers for other than the two purposes would be arrested. The decision was taken at a meeting on Monday, which was chaired by AJK Chief Secretary Abid Ali. The notification warns deputy commissioners, assistant commissioners, and SHOs of being made officers on special duty if amplifiers are misused in their jurisdiction. Several political, religious and social organisations of AJK have welcomed the decision, saying it would help maintain peace and harmony.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 31^st, 2014.