Expressing deep concern over loss of lives due to firecracker bursting in Kerala’s Puttingal Devi Temple recently, the Freethought Party of India (FPI) on Wednesday demanded that production, distribution or sale and bursting of crackers be stopped completely in the country.
“lack of scientific and ethical education, short of commitment to scientific outlook and too much exclusive greed for money and votes led to the heartrending deaths of 109 people and untold sufferings to 1,059 persons, who were injured in the incident,” observed FPI general secretary B Ramchandra CST Voltaire.
He urged upon the Prime Minister and Chief Ministers of all States to take a strong decision to stop bursting of firecrackers on any occasion in the country so that precious lives can be saved.
He thanked 80-year-old Pankajakshi Amma on whose complaint the Kollam district Collector had denied permission to the Puttingal Devi Temple authorities to conduct the fireworks display.
Despite Collector’s denial, the temple authorities went ahead with firecracker blasting programme under the pressure of politicians, he pointed out. “The devotees were not there to offer prayers to the deity but to take Mazza only,” he commented.