New York: Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas celebrations at the Sikh Cultural Society gurdwara in Richmond Hill, New York, have come under scrutiny following reports of alleged illegal fireworks being set off on the premises. Several youths were arrested, while illegal weapons were reportedly recovered from some of them. A police officer was also injured during the incident.
The incident has raised concerns within the community over fireworks being set off outside temples and gurdwaras during Diwali celebrations in the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States, as well as the litter left behind.
Condemning violence and violations of the law, Jatinder Singh, president of Sikh Cultural Society Inc, Richmond Hill, addressed a press conference and offered an unconditional apology to the police officer injured during the incident.
He said thousands of devotees had visited the gurdwara to pay their respects, but a few troublemakers had disrupted the celebrations. He added that the gurdwara management committee had agreed with the authorities that fireworks would not be used, but some youths deliberately violated the restrictions.
“If this incident had happened in India, the police would have dealt firmly with those involved. However, here the police handled the situation within the limits of the law,” he said. He also expressed concern over the embarrassment faced by police personnel from the migrant community following the incident.
Singh said the incident had seriously damaged the image of the Punjabi and Indian diaspora. He also claimed that similar disturbances had been reported at all four gurdwaras in Richmond Hill.
Calling for strict action against those involved, he said members of the community must respect the laws of the country in which they live.
“Although we have come here in large numbers, that does not give us the right to violate the laws of this land. A handful of irresponsible people are bringing disrepute to the entire community and could close the doors of opportunity for other members of the migrant community,” he said.
Highlighting the behaviour of some youths, Singh said that while he was addressing the press conference, a young man revved his motorcycle loudly and sped past the venue.
“You can see how much attention this younger generation pays to our appeals,” he remarked. He added that people caught breaking the law often approached community leaders seeking their intervention.
He also referred to incidents of shooting and sword-fighting during a Nagar Kirtan in Yuba City, California, saying such incidents further damage the community’s reputation.
Singh warned that the community could pay a heavy price for the irresponsible behaviour of a few individuals. He stressed that when fireworks were prohibited, young people should have respected the restrictions rather than taking the law into their own hands.
The incident has renewed concerns over the use of illegal fireworks and alleged disorder during Diwali celebrations in parts of the US and Canada, raising questions about compliance with safety regulations and restrictions intended to maintain public order.
