It is common knowledge that big bang rockets are discharged every year in flagrant violation of the law and of others’ rights. It is therefore of no consolation that a muted request to avoid ‘the very loud bangs’ was made by the Hindu Cultural Federation in last week’s Herald and in your coverage of this issue.
The tone of this advert was militant and offensive. It is selfish to arrogate rights for Hindus and to dismiss the rights of others as ‘personal interests’ which are ‘irrelevant to Diwali’. To ask for peace in the neighbourhoods and to be concerned for the welfare of our pets and wildlife is not selfish.
Educated people obviously know that there are no ‘evil spirits’ being chased away by these big bangs. But they do know that wildlife is and that neighbours and their pets are traumatised by these illegal fireworks. It is too much to ask for respect in return for an assault?
SVS
