HINDUS HARDEN STANCE AGAINST GOVT ON CREMATIONS

THE Hindu community is toughening its stance against the Government and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Roshan Parasram over the denial of permission for open-air cremations. 

Leaders of the Hindu faith are accusing the PNM regime of refusing them the right to practise their religion. 

“These open-air funerals are all that poor families can afford,” said a video statement issued by a group of Hindus. 

“This means that thousands cannot cremate their loved ones with dignity.” 

According to the statement, Parasram has not indicated the reason for the ban. 

“And the PNM Government has refused to meet Hindu groups over the issue.”  

The faithful recalled a depiction years ago of Hindu schools as “cow sheds”, and the negative portrayal of a sacred Hindu observance at a PNM function. 

“Now the PNM wants to humiliate Hindus in death,” the statement contended.  

The Government and Parasram were accused of victimising Hindus. 

The ban on cremation pyres was issued in light of expressed concerns over the spread of Covid-19. 

But CounterPunchTT has reported international medical experts are stating that there are no threats to health from open-air cremations. 

Hindu groups have united against the Government on the issue and have called on Parasram to rescind the ban. 

Parasram is nephew of Dr. Rampersad Parasram, Dharmacharya (Spiritual Leader) of the Hindu faith in Trinidad and Tobago.