Diwali celebrations in New Jersey: Viral video of firefighters dousing crackers draws mixed response
New Jersey: A viral video of firefighters spraying water in an area of a street where a Diwali cracker had been burst has attracted mixed reactions from netizens in spite of a clarification by the person who posted the clip that it was a safety measure.
The clip, shared by an Indian living in New Jersey, Mukul Verma, on his Instagram page, shows Indians celebrating Diwali by bursting crackers on a street before the firefighters intervened to spray water in the area.
Some social media users took the action by the firefighters in good spirit; some welcomed it and also criticized Indians for not changing their thinking style. A few netizens criticized the move, saying Indians were not permitted to celebrate their festivals.
A user reminded that local laws were not to be broken and any action that makes native people uncomfortable was not to be taken, as it would only spread more hatred for Indians and lead to unnecessary closure of job and education opportunities for all.
“It's really surprising that we Indians can't really mend our ways. Either it's in India or foreign lands we behave in a same manner and then we say that the worldwide criticism that we receive is not right (sic),” said another netizen.
On the other hand, a user took objection, saying Americans too burst crackers during New Year.
Verma posted a response in the comments sections supporting the firefighters, saying, “Just to clarify — this Diwali celebration was fully permitted by the state, and fireworks were officially allowed. All safety measures like roadblocks, ambulance & fire brigade were arranged by the city. Someone from the crowd suddenly lit skyshots which weren’t allowed, so the fire brigade sprayed water only for safety — not to stop Diwali. The police were managing the crowd. Please don’t spread hate; Diwali is about light, love & unity (sic)”
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345 Indian fishermen stranded in Iran return home via Armenia
New Delhi (PTI): A group of 345 Indian fishermen, who were stranded in Iran amid escalating regional tensions, returned to India via Armenia on Saturday, officials said.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar thanked his Armenian counterpart Ararat Mirzoyan for assistance in return of the Indian nationals.
The Indian nationals arrived in Chennai this evening, the officials cited above said.
The circumstances that led to them being stranded in Iran were not immediately known.
"Thank FM @AraratMirzoyan and the Government of Armenia for facilitating the evacuation of Indian fishermen today from Iran, through Armenia to India," Jaishankar said on social media.
Over 1,500 Indian nationals have left Iran through land border crossings in Armenia and Azerbaijan since the start of the West Asia conflict over a month ago.
"A group of Indian fishermen, stranded in Iran, are returning home via Armenia today; their flight is expected to reach India this evening," a government statement said.
It said the Ministry of External Affairs continues to closely monitor the evolving situation in the West Asian region, with the safety, security and welfare of the Indian community being accorded the highest priority.
It also made a mention of five Indians being injured in Abu Dhabi on Friday.
According to Abu Dhabi authorities, the Indian nationals were among the 12 people injured by debris from an intercepted missile.
"In an attack in Abu Dhabi, five Indian nationals were injured; four have been discharged, one remains under treatment," the Indian government's statement said.
It said the Indian mission in Abu Dhabi is extending "full" assistance and coordinating with local authorities, adding that their flight is expected to reach India this evening.
