Kolkata, May 14 -- After the newly formed West Bengal government issued fresh directives on public prayers, religious gatherings and loudspeaker usage, representatives from multiple faiths largely welcomed the move while stressing that the rules must be implemented fairly and without discrimination. The directives, announced after Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari held a law-and-order meeting with senior police officials, focus on ensuring that loudspeaker sound from places of worship remains within the premises and that public roads are not blocked during prayers or festivals, except on special occasions.
Leaders from Muslim, Hindu, Christian and Sikh communities indicated their willingness to cooperate with the administration.
Abdul Aziz, secretary of Milli Ettehad Parishad, said the Muslim community welcomed the government's initiatives and would continue to abide by rules, while expecting equal implementation across communities. Representatives from mosques also suggested practical solutions, including conducting prayers in multiple shifts to avoid overcrowding.
Organisers of Durga Puja committees also assured compliance. Saswata Basu of the Forum for Durgotsab said festivals in Bengal have always been conducted in coordination with administrative guidelines and would continue in the same spirit.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.