Sri Vijaya Puram, Oct 08: The Hindu Rashtra Shakti (HRS), Andaman and Nicobar Islands, has submitted a formal representation to the Lt. Governor, Admiral D. K. Joshi, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, NM, VSM (Retd.), urging the Administration to impose a complete ban on the sale and use of firecrackers featuring images of Hindu Gods and Goddesses across the Union Territory.
In the representation, Mr. Rakeshwar Lall, State President of Hindu Rashtra Shakti raised serious concern over the sale of certain types of firecrackers that bear the sacred images of deities such as Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi, reportedly available in local markets including the ITF Ground, Swimming Pool area, Bathu Basti, and other authorized vending zones.
“When these firecrackers are burst, the sacred representations are torn and trampled upon, resulting in their desecration and deeply hurting religious sentiments,” Mr. Lall stated in the appeal.
He emphasized that such practices amount to a violation of religious sanctity and may fall under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which has replaced the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The letter further references the principles of the former Section 295A of the IPC, now continued under the BNS, that penalizes acts intended to outrage religious feelings.
Citing similar actions taken in other states like Uttar Pradesh, where a complete ban on firecrackers has been implemented in NCR districts, Mr. Lall urged the Lt. Governor to direct law enforcement agencies to conduct raids and seize firecrackers depicting Hindu deities. He also called for strict legal action against manufacturers, distributors, and sellers involved in the sale of such products.
Reaffirming the organization’s commitment to preserving communal harmony, the HRS has appealed to the public not to purchase firecrackers carrying religious symbols, as doing so indirectly supports the desecration of sacred imagery.
