Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 08 October 2025
The State President of Hindu Rashtra Shakti (HRS), Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Mr. Rakeshwar Lall, has submitted a representation to the Hon’ble Lt. Governor, Admiral D. K. Joshi (Retd.), urging the Administration to impose a complete ban on the sale and use of firecrackers with images of Hindu deities and other religious symbols across the Islands.
In his letter addressed to the Lt. Governor, Mr. Lall expressed gratitude to the Union Territory Administration for facilitating the Visarjan (immersion) of idols of Lord Ganesha and Goddess Durga at Marina Park, calling it a significant step in supporting the religious practices of the Hindu community.
Raising concerns over the sale of firecrackers with images of Hindu gods and goddesses—particularly Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi—in local markets such as ITF Ground, Swimming Pool area, and Bathu Basti, Mr. Lall stated that bursting such crackers leads to the desecration of sacred images, deeply hurting religious sentiments.
Describing the issue as “a matter of deep religious sensitivity and legal importance,” he cited provisions under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)—which replaced the Indian Penal Code—stating that acts intended to outrage religious feelings remain punishable under the new law.
The representation urges the Administration to issue directives banning the manufacture, sale, distribution, and use of firecrackers with images of deities throughout the Union Territory. It also calls for strict action against offenders and requests law enforcement authorities to conduct surprise inspections in key areas to prevent the sale of such products.
Appealing to the public, Mr. Lall requested Islanders to refrain from purchasing or using firecrackers that bear images of deities, saying that doing so inadvertently contributes to the desecration of sacred symbols.
Copies of the representation have also been forwarded to the Chief Secretary, all Deputy Commissioners, the Director General of Police, and local print media for necessary action and awareness.
