Police-led removal of mosque loudspeakers, strikes by meat traders, unfinished cemeteries and bulldozer drives raise questions about fairness
MUMBAI — Many bitter memories of 2025 remain fresh among Muslims in Mumbai. Community leaders, traders and families say the year placed heavy strain on daily religious life, livelihoods and basic dignity. Five major developments stood out. Each left people anxious and angry, with many saying the state failed to protect their rights.
For the first time, the Haj Committee of India announced the 2026 Haj pilgrimage even before the return of pilgrims from the previous season. Selection was declared before the quota was finalised. Pilgrims were chosen in stages. The first list named one lakh people. After quota allotment, around 22,500 more were added. Community members said the policy window was only 20 days. Travel costs stayed the same. A quota of 10,000 was also set aside.
A Mumbai-based pilgrim said, “People sold jewellery and borrowed money, then waited without clear answers. It felt rushed and unfair.”
Another applicant said, “This has never happened before. The stress was unbearable for families.”
Loudspeakers were removed from mosques and other places of worship across Maharashtra after BJP leader Kirat Somaiya and others raised objections. Complaints were filed. Warnings were issued outside mosques in Muslim areas. Police teams arrived with notices.
Mosque trustees said the action created panic. Many rushed to police stations. Meetings were held with political leaders. The matter reached court and hearings continue.
When DGP Rashmi Shukla and Mumbai Police Commissioner Deven Bharti announced a large drive, more than 14,000 loudspeakers were taken down. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis later spoke of making Mumbai loudspeaker-free.
A mosque trustee in Govandi said, “We followed the rules. Still police came with pressure. Worship became a matter of fear.” A local resident added, ‘Why are mosques singled out when others continue?’
Meat traders across Maharashtra shut shops after repeated attacks by Bajrang Dal and other groups. Animals were intercepted, traders beaten up. Videos spread fear. The strike hit supply. Prices rose sharply.
The Deonar Slaughterhouse also felt the impact.
After talks with Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, the DGP issued a circular against people taking law into their hands. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari promised a special clause in policy. Only then did traders return to work.
A trader from Kurla said, “We were attacked in front of police. Our families starved for days.” Another said, “The strike was our cry for safety.”
Efforts to open a new cemetery plot in Govandi showed some movement. Still, work on a 400-grave site remains unfinished. The court pulled up the BMC. Progress stayed slow. Even the boundary wall is incomplete.
The BMC had promised burials before the end of 2025. That did not happen. With dense population and little space, cemeteries shut at times. Deonar and Rafi Nagar faced closures. At present, Deonar remains closed.
A bereaved family member said, “Burying the dead has become a daily struggle. This pain cannot be explained.
Bulldozer actions were carried out in suburbs in the name of action against Rohingya and Bangladeshi migrants. Maloni area was badly hit. Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha made repeated claims about the Muslim-majority locality.
A recent drive near Jurassic Park drew protest. The local MLA opposed the action and said residents were Indian citizens.
A Maloni resident said, “They label us outsiders to justify breaking our homes.” Another said, “This is punishment for being Muslim.”
As 2026 begins, Mumbai’s Muslims ask simple questions. Who will answer for the fear of 2025? Who will protect their faith, work and homes? Many say justice still feels far away.
